Local Family Seeks to Honor Veterans

On Monday, May 27 organizers of the We Salute You event will host the second annual celebration of America's military heroes in observance of Memorial Day.

George Chambers and his wife, Sandy Chambers organized the first event in 2011 and with a success of raising $8,000, the duo wanted to give it a second round.

The group seeks to raise $10,000 for veterans this year. As of April 15 the sum was almost halfway there at $4,365.05. 

To reach their goal, the volunteers are hosting a family friendly event at the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks.

The daytime event, which there is no admission fee for, runs from 12 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. and includes:

• Greetings from safety and emergency vehicles surrounding the event, from all over the county
• Entertainment provided by Arista Entertainment, including young perfoming artist and concerts
• Pinellas County Sheriff's Office will provide a 2 p.m. helicopter salute with the National Anthem being performed live
• Items available for purchase: All American hot dosg, hamburger BBQ luncheon along with drinks, ice cream, face painting, balloons and Memorial Day t-shirts

Following the day's activities, an evening event will offer:

• We Salute You welcomes event keynote speaker: Major Pete C. Chambers
• Guest speakers: Congressman Gus Bilirakis, Tarpon Springs Police Chief Robert Kochen & Sheriff Bob Gualtieri
• Master of Ceremonies for the event will be Tarpon Springs Mayor David O. Archie
• Entertainment provided by Bobby Palermo
• The Court of Two Sisters will host a display of wartime memorabilia
• An armed forces medley
• An event photo specialist will provide a portrait, free of charge
• Tarpon Springs Police Honor Guard, National Anthem by Sandy & Evangelia Chambers
• Sit-down dinner will be served by the volunteers of the We Salute You even at the Riverside Grille House
• The Sand Soldiers of America will be choosing veterans who have served and that are in need in our Tampa Bay community to receive awards

Tickets for the nighttime festivities are $10 and can be purchased here.

Proceeds from the evening event will be presented to the selected We Salute You award recipients.

For more information, visit We Salute You online.

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