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Pennsylvania VFW Hosts "American Freedom Concert"
When Larry Wade and his comrades started planning the “American Freedom Concert,” they had no idea how successful it would be.
“We were hoping to have 500 to 1,000 people attend,” said Wade, Pennsylvania’s state senior vice commander. “But the response was so great, we ended up with well over 1,000 people in attendance, including most of the veterans from the Hollidaysburg Veterans Home.”
The Department of Pennsylvania first got the idea to host a concert when Nashville recording artist Ricky Lee asked Wade if he could hold a benefit for the VFW’s programs.
“We didn’t book his band...he booked us!” said Wade.
Ricky Lee, who has opened for country music stars such as Brad Paisley, often performs for troops. Wade suggested that all donations from the concert should go to VFW National Military Services, which includes the VFW Military Assistance Program, VFW Operation Uplink™ and VFW Unmet Needs.
“A lot of people do not know what VFW does in support of our military and their families,” said Wade.
Tickets cost $5, and the VFW accepted donations, including donations from Ricky Lee and numerous VFW Posts throughout the state. To date, the concert has raised over $9,000, and the donations are still coming in.
Before Ricky Lee took the stage, Wade gave a flag folding demonstration. John Getz, state commander, gave a presentation on VFW before recognizing all the veterans in attendance. Throughout the night, VFW members welcomed and comforted military families who had recently lost a loved one.
“We also recognized members of the Ladies Auxiliary VFW, who are always there and ready to help,” he said. “We couldn’t do a lot of things without them.”
Wade and the VFW were thrilled that Ricky Lee wanted to support the VFW’s programs.
“We are already planning to hold another ‘American Freedom Concert’ next year,” said Wade. “Only this time we’ll need a larger area to hold the crowds!”
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