Free Cookout at Legion

Hot dogs, hamburgers and even a cake in the shape of the flag were served free July 4 at the American Legion Delisle-Goulet Post.

The free meal was a way to honor veterans on the patriotic holiday, said Peggy Knapik, who did the cooking. Bruce Swenie paid for the food, she said.

Some of the area veterans didn't have a family outing or event to attend that day, Knapik said. So the Legion decided to create its own family day, she said.

While some veterans kept cool in the lounge while watching the Red Sox, others played horseshoes outside.

They might not have been in someone's backyard, but the traditional food and activities gave the day a family feel, which is just what organizers had hoped.