WOODVILLE – Patriot Day is a federally recognized holiday, introduced in 2001 as a day of mourning for those who were lost in the tragic events of Sept. 11 of that year.
Since then Patriot Day celebrations have occurred each year, taking place all over the country, and fostering a sense of togetherness, as well as service, in the various ways they are celebrated. The Woodville-based Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2033 is planning its annual Patriot Day weekend celebration for Sept. 6 this year, which will be its fourth annual celebration for the holiday.
Navy veteran J.W. Kern, who serves as the post’s senior vice commander is looking for vendors, musicians and first responders to help make the event a fun and reverent celebration for the whole county.
Kern said the VFW is looking for 50 vendors for the event, including food and drink trucks; five live bands to provide some music and a DJ. The plan is to use the weekend event to salute the county’s first responders, and they are looking for first responders to show up and display their vehicles and equipment.
The schedule will include set-up times for vendors from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., with bands rotating out every two hours, beginning at noon.
The event will take place on the VFW post land, located beside of the actual post building at 301 Veterans Way in Woodville. In planning the event, the VFW is asking the community “How much fun can we have?”
For interested vendors, bands or first responders, they can call Kern at 409-951-9977. Kern said the VFW is also looking for classic cars, trucks and Polaris Slingshot riders for displays.
Tax-deductible donations can also be made to the post through its website, Vfw2033.org or at the event to assist the organization in the work it does in the community, which includes awarding scholarships.
Patriot Day is one of eight federally recognized patriotic holidays that the national VFW organization recognizes. According to its website, the holiday, which commemorates those lost in the events of Sept. 11, 2001, was approved by a joint Congressional resolution in December of that year and that appropriate ceremonies and activities should include a moment of silence beginning at 8:46 a.m., remembrance services and candlelight vigils, as well as flags flown at half-mast.
