Wounded Soldiers Honored at Rose Tree Park

Mother Nature delivered the perfect day for the , organized by Operation First Response, at on Saturday.

Family, friends and visitors from Delaware County and beyond came out by the thousands to recognize the injured soldiers and help raise money for them and their families for personal and financial needs.

There was much to do for all ages. There were several interactive military displays, including a medical tent from the 11th Airborne and a UH1 helicopter that kids could sit in and pose for photos.

There was an elaborate motorcycle and car show, local veterans groups and vendors from the area and plenty of activities popular with the kids, like moon bounce and a giant slide.

The day kicked off with a ceremony recognizing the Legends of Philadelphia, comprised of former 76ers and war veterans. The group included Sixers' legends Wally Jones and Bill Baggett.

"We are champions for champions," said Jones. "The greatest sports legends from Philadelphia are here to support our armed forces overseas."

The legends introduced a special group of students from West Philadelphia with an important message to stay in school. The group was a part of Philadelphia Youth Development Corps, which is a year-long program to help kids with academics, sports, socialization and beyond.

Later, a motorcade of motorcycle riders brought in the wounded soldiers while a bagpiper played in the background.

West Chester resident Brian Piasecki, of the 101st Airborne, has served in Iraq and Afghanistan. He just returned home in April.

"It means a lot. I had no idea Delaware County did so much for us until I just got home, and it means a lot," says Piasecki.

The Piaseckis led the two-mile walk through Rose Tree Park and it ended at the main pavilion with quite the celebration and ceremony.

Comcast SportsNet's Michael Barkann was the event emcee. The Philadelphia Soul's "Soulmates" performed a dance routine, the Philly Phanatic wowed the crowd as "High Hopes" played in the background and DJ Mike Vogel spun the latest pop songs.

The day ended with a ceremony filled with pomp and circumstance, with the presentation of colors, speeches filled with thanks to our veterans and introduction of our wounded soldiers.

Visit the Walk for the Wounded website for more information.