Come Say Thanks To LB Veterans at Freedom Fest On July 4th

(LONG BEACH, CA; June 26, 2012) – Fifth District Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske and the Long Beach Hometown Heroes Project will host Freedom Fest for the Long Beach community at Rosie the Riveter Park and Interpretive Center on July 4th, located on the corner of Conant Street and Clark Avenue. The celebration is open to the public and will salute and honor Long Beach’s military heroes who have served in both Iraq and Afghanistan.

“Independence Day is a perfect day to remember that without the sacrifice of those who serve in the military, we would not be free”, says Councilwoman Schipske. “This event gives an opportunity to thank our veterans.”

Freedom Fest begins at 5 pm. The schedule includes:

CEREMONY-

5:00 pm Welcome - Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske

5:05 pm Presentation of Colors - Millikan Jr. ROTC Color Guard

5:10 pm National Anthem - Erma Vernado

5:12 pm Invocation – Bruce MacRae, Public Affairs Manager, UPS

5:15 pm Bag Pipe Major Scott MacDonald, LBPD - performing Amazing Grace

5:20 pm Bruce MacRae - Introduction of Speakers and special guests

5:25 pm Captain Roger LaFerriere, U.S. Coast Guard Speaker Topic: Pioneering service of African American and minority service members who serve in the Armed Forces

5:40 pm Introduction to Congressional Gold Medal honorees: Montford Point Marines, First Sergeant William McDowell, and First Sergeant Mitchell Key, and Navy Corpsmen, Robert S. Hammond

5:45 pm Reading of names of 14 Long Beach Hometown Heroes who died in Iraq or Afghanistan

– Lt. Col. Angel Ortiz, U.S. Army National Guard

5:55 pm Taps performed by Lee Seltzer, Rock for Vets

6:00 pm Speaker: U.S. Naval Commander Stephen M. Ruggiero

Topic:

6:15 pm Concluding Remarks - Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske

6:25 pm God Bless America - Erma Vernado

CELEBRATION

6:30 pm Live Concert by The Emperors (Popular group of Long Beach)

8:30 pm Event ends

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