Saturday, July 29, 2017 - 9th Annual Veterans Tribute Concert at Gorgas Park

Mark your calendars for Saturday, July 29, 2017 (10 am to 2 pm) and join us for the 9th annual Veterans Tribute Concert at Gorgas Park [6300 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19128]. The day will honor our community’s World War II and Korean War Veterans as well as Veterans from the Coatesville VA Medical Center. There will be music and entertainment activities and tables provided by numerous community and civic groups. Local Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops will be on hand as volunteers sharing the ideals and fun of scouting.

Veterans’ groups including Operation Bedding, Warriors' Watch, A Hero's Welcome, and American Legion Riders will escort hospitalized Veterans from Coatesville VA Medical Center to Gorgas Park. Upon arrival (10:00 am) the public will establish a flag covered Walk of Honor to greet local Veterans from World War II and the Korean War, and hospitalized Veterans and to escort them to their seats for the concert and picnic. Leading the procession will be Civil War Confederate living history/re-enactors commanded by General James Longstreet.

Activities throughout the day are as follows. The Roxborough Ridge Runners will display classic and antique cars. Therapy Dogs International will have Therapy Dogs to demonstrate the benefit of its program. The Philadelphia Bible Society will share and distribute Holy Scriptures free of charge to all who will receive it. The 21st Ward Fourth of July Association will be conducting a bake sale and all proceeds will be used to support the annual Independence Day Parade of Sunday Schools and Churches. Civil War Confederate Living historians/re-enactors, commanded by General James Longstreet and joined by his headquarters staff will be set up with their command fly, and headquarters fly. They will be happy to speak to visitors about the Civil War and answer questions.

Activities are as scheduled (Times are approximate.).

• 10:30 am: The Merion Concert Band, with more than 40 volunteer members under the direction of Nathan Snyder, will perform the National Anthem, followed by a concert military, popular, and classical music.
• 11:00 am: Lunch will be served to our honored guests the Veterans form World War II, the Korean War, and the Coatesville VA Medical Center. Food and beverages will be available for the public to purchase.
• 11:45 am: Old Academy Players will perform a scene from the comedy “Men Are Dogs” written by Joe Simonelli, American playwright.
• 12:00 Noon: The Phillie Phanatic will entertain.
• 12:15 pm: Certificates of Honor will be presented to World War II and Korean War Veterans
• 12:30 pm: The Savoy Company will perform a concert version of Gilbert and Sullivan’s comic opera, H.M.S. Pinafore.
• 12:50 pm: General Longstreet's Headquarters Civil War re-enactors will present a living history.
• 2:30 pm: Coatesville veterans will depart.

This 9th annual tribute to our hospitalized veterans is sponsored by the 21st Ward Veterans Association. The intent is to show our gratitude for the sacrifices made by the men and women of our armed forces. This is only a small gesture of showing these fine veterans that their commitment to our country has not been forgotten. We invite everyone to come out to this event to show support of our World War II, Korean War, and hospitalized veterans. We also hope that people learn something about the many fine organizations that make our community so great.

This event is possible because of the strong support of many people and organizations. Primary supporters of this event are: The Merion Concert Band, Old Academy Players, The Savoy Company, Project Outreach, Friends of Gorgas Park, local churches and Scout troops.

Many people and organizations have committed time, funding and materials to assure our honored guests have a memorable time. (List is still growing!) Here is a partial list of contributors: John and Lynn Ewell, The Zamorski Family, 21st Ward Fourth of July Association, Henry Houston American Legion, Stanley’s True Value Hardware, Mark Lally’s Famous Ribs, The Church of St. Alban, Episcopal, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, the Philadelphia Bible Society, Marchiano’s Bakery, Michael’s Water Ice, and many others. Thank you for your support.

Numerous civic groups and non-profit organizations have committed to setting up information tables to demonstrate their support for activities in our great community. If you would like for your civic group to participate or contribute financial or gift donations for this event please contact: Bruce F Hoffman, 21st Ward Veterans Association [h: 215-483-8486; c: 267-304-5787, brucefhoffman@msn.com] or Karen Sears, Friends of Gorgas Park [c: 267-738-4497]. Find information about this event on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/21stWardVeteransAssociation/].