Pocono News Section

Tamaqua Honors Veterans with Community Celebration

Tamaqua Honors Veterans with Community Celebration - Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 7:41PM EST

Reported by: Eric Deabill
Sunday, May 25, 2008 @ 07:41pm EST
TAMAQUA, SCHUYLKILL COUNTY - A community in Schuylkill County came together Sunday night to honor soldiers who have dedicated their time and talents to the betterment of the United States. The idea started when one soldier just came home from Iraq.

The sound of music filled East End Park in Tamaqua Sunday night. As dozens of people looked on, the first annual "Free to Rock" celebration was born. It started with Michelle Jordan's idea.

"What started out as a fun way to welcome home our son from Iraq, turned bigger. As a family, we wanted to make it more than a family event, we needed to turn it into a public event," Jordan said.

Working with the Tamaqua American Legion, the small party blossomed into a community event. Military pictures lined trees and veterans young and old talked of their experiences.

"I'm here to honor every veteran. I'm the commander of the American Legion and a veteran myself. I'm here to salute everyone," American Legion Commander Ed Smith said.

Within a matter of weeks, performers signed-on to play at the event and businesses donated food. They knew this party had a purpose.

"I wanted to support the veterans. The vets really deserve all the support they can get," Janet Keich of Tamaqua said.

All of the money raised from Sunday's event will go to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project. The non-profit organization helps injured soldiers who are wounded in Iraq or Afghanistan with rehab services.

"It's very exciting. It's very neat to see the public come out and it actually brings tears to your eyes to watch the community come together for this great event," Jordan said.

Organizers say they were able to raise several hundred dollars from Sunday's Memorial Day tribute in Schuylkill County.