BYRON — A 2nd annual gathering honoring women in military service and first responders will be held Monday, May 4, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Jarrett Prairie Center in Byron, bringing together female veterans, first responders, and supporters for recognition and connection. The event will include a light breakfast, vendor resources, and military pinnings available by request during registration, with advance sign up required by Friday.
Stephanie Wheeler, who helps organize the event through Serenity Hospice and Home, said, “For us, it is a safe place for women to get together. We hear a lot of veteran gatherings and sometimes I think when we picture that, we picture a male dominant area.”
She said the program was created specifically for women after participants said there were few similar opportunities. The event is supported by the Veterans Assistance Commission of Ogle County and Serenity Hospice and Home and is open to participants from across the region.