by June Portnoy

On Saturday, June 2nd, The Penndel Business Association will sponsor a tribute, entitled The Main Event, to all returning servicemen and women from Penndel and surrounding communities who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. This free community event, beginning at 7:00pm, will also recognize veterans from all wars and families whose members were killed in action while serving in Iraq or Afghanistan. 

The Main Event will be held at the Penndel Athletic Field, home of the Neshaminy Wildcats. Free parking will be made available at many of the local Business Association members’ parking lots on the East Side of Route 1. A free shuttle service from approved parking lots on the East Side of Route 1 will also be provided.

Bring a blanket or beach chairs and enjoy entertainment provided by The Monday Blues and Jazz Orchestra. This 21-piece orchestra will donate its time to perform a one-hour concert accompanied by four vocalists. The orchestra will play the musical theme from each branch of the service, and veterans in the audience will be asked to stand up and be recognized as the music from their branch of service is performed.

The Penndel American Legion Post will fire a 21-gun salute and provide the honor guard.

“Our goal is to then honor our returning servicemen and women individually who served in Iraq and Afghanistan,” says Alan Cohen, President of the Penndel Business Association and Chair of The Main Event (Shari Farley and Tracey Crouse are coordinators of this event).

The evening will culminate with a fireworks display choreographed to patriotic music.

The Penndel Business Association is looking for sponsors at all levels for The Main Event. For sponsorship information e-mail penndelbusinessassoc1@verizon.net.

“We hope to raise money to donate to military charities, such as USO (United Services Organizations, Inc.) and Wounded Warriors, as well as to local Penndel charities,” says Alan.

If you know of a returning vet from Iraq or Afghanistan who resides in Penndel or its surrounding communities, contact Alan at seaisleal@aol.com or call him at 215-852-0661.

“We want to recognize and honor as many of our service men and women as possible,” says Alan.

Eagles Broadcaster Merrill Reese will host a portion of this event, and WBCB 1490 AM Radio will do a remote broadcast from The Main Event. For updates on the Main Event, visit the Penndel Business Association’s Web site at www.penndelbusinesses.org. Also visit The Main Event on Facebook. The rain date for The Main Event is Sunday, June 3rd.