Auto show honors those who serve

If you or anyone you know is one of America’s Warriors, Veterans or First Responders, mark Thursday, March 1 on your calendar.

It’s the date of the second annual Heroes Day at the Cleveland Auto Show when active military personnel, reservists, veterans and fire, police and other safety and security personnel will be admitted to the show free of charge.

The Cleveland Auto Show, presented by Huntington Bank, opens its doors at the I-X Center in Cleveland at 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 23 and runs through Sunday March 4.

“This is our way of giving something back to the people who keep us safe,” says Louis A. Vitantonio, president of the Cleveland Auto Show.

“Dealers from across Northern Ohio and all of the exhibitors at the Cleveland Auto Show would like to salute these brave patriots for all that they do for us throughout the year.”

The offer is open on Thursday, March 1 all day to current and former U.S. Military personnel and veterans, including: reservists and retired members of the Coast Guard, National Guard, Marine Corps, Army, Air Force, Navy and the Department of Defense.

Fire and police personnel who qualify for free admission include: firefighters, EMTs, police officers, state troopers, and employees of the aforementioned agencies.

The offer is also available for those working for national security organizations such as: the F.B.I., Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration, National Security Administration, U.S. Customs and U.S. Border Patrol.

To receive free admission to the Cleveland Auto Show from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday, March 1, the Hero must provide proof of service or employment along with a valid photo I.D.

Veterans can show either a DD214 or a VA Medical Card, but it must be accompanied with a valid photo I.D.

For more information on qualifications, please head to clevelandautoshow.com/heroes.

Cleveland Auto Show