Munro House filled their seven rooms with veterans, providing them with a free dinner on Thursday night at Olivia’s or Saucy Dog’s and a breakfast on Veterans Day. They have guests representing Vietnam, the Gulf War and current active-duty. One guest, Misty Wolthuis, is an active-duty Sergeant First Class (SFC) who will be leaving for Liberia to teach the Liberian army armory operations on Saturday.
“I just think it’s the right thing to do,” said Mike Venturini, who owns the Munro House with his wife. “I think more people should do things for the veterans.”
The Venturinis released their rooms by encouraging potential guests to friend them on Facebook. Then they released rooms individually, letting their Facebook friends be the first to know. They said that way they were creating some anticipation about the event.
Guests came from Grand Rapids, Ida, Lambertville and more. There were also guests at the reception before dinner Thursday that were local veterans and their families.
“Everybody’s welcome at my house,” Venturini said. The reception offered appetizers such as cheese and crackers, and apples with caramel. Guests ate, told stories and relaxed before heading off to dinner.
On Friday, they were encouraged to attend the memorial rededication at Carl Fast Park in Jonesville.
“This place is phenomenal,” said guest Larry Fry, who came from Grand Rapids with his wife. “There’s a lot of history here.” |
