Tonawanda to say thank you to servicemen and women
Sunday July 22, 2012 | By:Kimberly Snickles, Cheektowaga Source | News
The City of Tonawanda is hosting a very special dinner to thank the brave men and women who fought for our country.
The Servicemen and Women dinner will take place on Sunday, July 29 at Niawanda Park from 5 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. and will honor all World War II and Korean veterans. Director of Parks and Recreation Linda Foles who organized the event, said she always wanted to find a creative way to thank our country’s heroes.
“It was my idea. I’ve always wanted a dinner this style,” said Foles. “We’re losing our veterans so quickly. When I found out the Gateway was coming up with a few activities that didn’t involve concerts, I told them my idea and they agreed to sponsor.”
Tickets for the event are free to WW II and Korean veterans and $5 for adults. The boot camp style menu will consist of a ham and cheese platter, potato salad, baked beans, coleslaw, bread, and desserts; along with hot dogs for children. WW II exhibits and memorabilia will also be put out on display for veterans to enjoy.
“Instead of war memories, we want to do the time stamp memories,” said Foles. “Make it mostly a period piece and have fun with it.”
The Young Marines of Tonawanda, ages 8-14 years old will help with serving the dinner. Organizers said it is important for the kids to meet the veterans and have a chance to talk to them.
Following the concert at 7 p.m. the American Legion Band of the Tonawandas will be performing a free concert for the veterans at the bandshell. Foles is expecting a large crowd; but she needs the community to pick up their pre-sale tickets so she knows how much food to plan for.
“If we had a count it would really help. A lot of people are saying they’re coming but they haven’t picked up their tickets yet.”
Presale tickets are available at the following locations:
• Vietnam Vets
• City Hall Mayor’s office
• Senior Citizens Center
• NT Carousel
• Chamber of Commerce
• Knights of Columbus
The Servicemen and Women dinner will take place on Sunday, July 29 at Niawanda Park from 5 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. and will honor all World War II and Korean veterans. Director of Parks and Recreation Linda Foles who organized the event, said she always wanted to find a creative way to thank our country’s heroes.
“It was my idea. I’ve always wanted a dinner this style,” said Foles. “We’re losing our veterans so quickly. When I found out the Gateway was coming up with a few activities that didn’t involve concerts, I told them my idea and they agreed to sponsor.”
Tickets for the event are free to WW II and Korean veterans and $5 for adults. The boot camp style menu will consist of a ham and cheese platter, potato salad, baked beans, coleslaw, bread, and desserts; along with hot dogs for children. WW II exhibits and memorabilia will also be put out on display for veterans to enjoy.
“Instead of war memories, we want to do the time stamp memories,” said Foles. “Make it mostly a period piece and have fun with it.”
The Young Marines of Tonawanda, ages 8-14 years old will help with serving the dinner. Organizers said it is important for the kids to meet the veterans and have a chance to talk to them.
Following the concert at 7 p.m. the American Legion Band of the Tonawandas will be performing a free concert for the veterans at the bandshell. Foles is expecting a large crowd; but she needs the community to pick up their pre-sale tickets so she knows how much food to plan for.
“If we had a count it would really help. A lot of people are saying they’re coming but they haven’t picked up their tickets yet.”
Presale tickets are available at the following locations:
• Vietnam Vets
• City Hall Mayor’s office
• Senior Citizens Center
• NT Carousel
• Chamber of Commerce
• Knights of Columbus
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