Honoring Courage, Sacrifice and Service 25 Years of the Westerville Veterans Breakfast Tuesday, Nov. 7, 8:30 a.m. Amidst the chatter of an ordinary lunch at the Westerville Senior Center in 1998, a group of veterans gathered to share their stories with each other, thumb through photo albums and show off wartime memorabilia. These stories, each woven with courage, camaraderie and the enduring spirit of service to our country, was the beginning of a 25-year-old community tradition. Margi Rundio, retired Westerville Senior Center supervisor and now part-time recreation specialist, remembers talking with other staff members in neighboring cities about events to honor veterans. At that time, there were not many, with the exception of simple programs at local nursing homes. After those conversations, she decided to start a Veterans Day program hosted by Westerville Parks & Recreation. "Seeing those veterans sharing their stories and bringing in old photos and uniforms was incredible,” said Rundio. “I thought to myself: I can make this something.” That first year of storytelling among veterans was so popular that the event was formalized into a lunch program at the Senior Center for the next 15 years. In 2013, a few retired Westerville firefighters began to help by flipping pancakes and cooking breakfast, leading to the popular breakfast-themed format. As attendance grew, the event moved from the then Senior Center to the Westerville Community Center in 2014. This year the event moves to Tuesday, Nov. 7 at the Renaissance Westerville-Polaris Hotel (409 Altair Pkwy.). The change in venue will provide space for future growth and for the City to extend the best possible “thank you” to our local veterans. The breakfast has attendance of more than 200 veterans and their families, annually. The event holds a special place in Rundio’s heart. Her family has a long history of military service and her grandson is an active-duty Marine.
“This program honors the veterans and the sacrifices they make. Whether in combat or not, veterans give years of their life to service. A lot of veterans have been through more than we could ever know,” said Rundio. “Older veterans don’t share their stories so this is a way to recognize them.” Westerville City Manager Monica Irelan said she was impressed the first time she attended the annual Nov. 11 breakfast. “Margi’s work beginning this tradition really speaks to how deeply she cares for the men and women in service now and in the past,” said Irelan. “I greatly appreciate this opportunity to express our gratitude to veterans. It’s a day that speaks to my heart as well, based on my own family’s service in the military. Keeping up with the growth of the event and even elevating the experience is just one way we can say ‘thank you’ on this special day.” Rundio is still an integral part of planning the breakfast as a part-time staff member at the Westerville Senior Center. “We couldn’t provide this level of service without people like Margi, so join me in looking for her at the event and saying thank you for starting this very special recognition 25 years ago,” said Irelan. For additional information or to purchase tickets, visit the Westerville Community Center (350 N. Cleveland Ave.).
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