HonorFest 2011

By Sue Erickson
JRC News Service, Community Connection Editor

Billboards in our area will soon be displaying information on Honor Fest, which comes to Reading on Sept. 11.

Too often, it takes a tragedy to unite a community.

It happened nearly 10 years ago on September 11 when the world watched in horror as the United States fell victim to terrorist attacks. It happened just a few weeks ago when Deputy Kyle Pagerly lost his life doing what he loved to do -- protecting and serving his community. Every day, a soldier, an officer, a fire fighter or a first responder makes the ultimate sacrifice protecting the rest of us.

It happens far too often.

On Saturday, September 10, Pottstown, Reading, Berks and Montgomery counties will join together at First Energy Stadium in Reading to honor not only those that have given their lives, but those who give themselves each and every day.

Welcome to Honor Fest.

Mark Malizzi, president of Thunder Outreach, a non-denominational fellowship, is coordinating the first-ever Honor Fest event as a way for everyone to say "thank you."

"With the tenth anniversary of 9/11 almost upon us, I felt an overwhelming need to show appreciation for the brave men and women that protect and serve us every day," said Mark. "What began as a need to help has blossomed into a huge event. And it keeps getting bigger!"

Mark, the Service Director at Fred Bean in Boyertown, said that the dealership services many of the police force's vehicles.

"I was having a conversation with an officer that was telling me about an accident he had responded to in which a child had been killed," Mark explained. "He was shaken to the core because he had a child the very same age at home."

"Unfortunately," he continued, "there really wasn't a police chaplain available in his area for him to speak with to help him work through the pain of what he had been through."

That's when Mark started the Liaison Chaplain Program through Thunder Outreach.

"It doesn't matter what your denomination or faith or who you pray to," said Mark. "It's a program where our officers -- any officers -- can reach out and find someone that will listen."

The Liaison Chaplain Program has grown to include 22 police and fire departments throughout the Montgomery and Berks counties.

"It's about being there for the men and women that are there 24 hours a day for us," said Mark. "Yes, we listen, but it doesn't end there. If an officer or firefighter has been hurt on the job, we'll go get their groceries. We'll cut their grass. We'll run their errands. We'll do anything we can to help. It's all about support for our first responders."

But Mark felt the calling to do something even bigger.

Because of Mark's extensive community involvement, he was contacted by executives from First Energy Stadium about expanding their community outreach.

"What better way than to honor those that serve?" said Mark.

Honor Fest will be the community's way to say "thank you" to all first responders -- local and national, as well as our military. The event is free and offers something for every age.

"A convoy of police and fire vehicles will leave the Coventry Mall at 10 a.m. on September 10," said Mark. "That convoy will be joined by military vehicles and other first responders as they make their way along Route 422 West."

The convoy will proceed through the city of Reading, ultimately ending up at First Energy Stadium. There, they will be greeted by members of the United States Army, the Marine Corp Leathernecks and a special fly-over by a B25 Bomber. Once inside the stadium, mayors, senators and congressmen will speak to the crowd and covey their appreciation to our heroes.

"We've also asked Kyle Pagerly's wife, Alecia, to speak at the event," said Mark.

Additionally, there will be games, information, demonstrations, Kid IDs, K9 units, the Berks Bomb Squads robot and much more.

Honor Fest begins at the First Energy Stadium at 11 a.m. and runs until 3 p.m. For more information, visit the website at www.honorfest.com.

"The keyword to this whole event is four little letters," said Mark. "L-O-V-E."

"It's the least we can do to say 'thank you'."