Do you know a young man or woman who’s raised their hand to serve?

Maybe they’re enlisting… heading to a service academy… or stepping into ROTC… that moment—that decision—it’s big. And it deserves to be recognized.

On Sunday, May 3rd, from 3 to 5 PM, ParadeRest Virginia is hosting a Called To Serve Celebration at VFW Post 1827 on River Road in Charlottesville… and it’s all about honoring those future service members before they begin their journey.

Now, this is part of something even bigger.

ParadeRest Virginia is a local nonprofit right here in Charlottesville that’s working to connect our community with military members—past, present, and future. They offer programs that help prepare young people for service through academic tutoring, physical fitness training, and real conversations with veterans and active-duty members… giving them a true understanding of what service means.

They also preserve veterans’ stories through oral history interviews and create opportunities for military families to enjoy community events together… all with one mission in mind—strengthening that connection between those who serve and the communities they protect.

And this celebration? It’s where all of that comes together.

Veterans, families, friends, neighbors—everyone is invited to come out and show support. Because these young men and women aren’t stepping forward alone—they’ve got an entire Central Virginia community behind them.

If you or someone you love is preparing to serve, you can sign up to be recognized… and if not, just come out and be part of something meaningful.

It’s the Called to Serve Celebration, Sunday, May 3rd, 3 to 5 PM at VFW Post 1827 in Charlottesville… hosted by ParadeRest Virginia along with American Legion Post 74.