Salute to soldiers draws 300 attendees on Sept. 11
Wednesday, January 6th, 2010
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- Soldiers of Co. G 53rd BSB FSC Field Artillery Unit rise as the colors are posted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Ladies Auxiliary at the Salute to Soldiers held Sept. 11 in the Dan Cannon Auditorium.
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- Zephyrhills Police Officer and former Marine Ken Keith offered his services as a volunteer security guard but couldn’t resist a good natured joke for the Army National Guard soldiers.
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- Local community leader Roy Hardy serves for Zephyrhills High School student Private First Class Jessica Castaneda.
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- Eight-year-old Nikki Riley sits on her father’s Freedom One motorcycle, which was on display outside the Dan Cannon Auditorium. Nikki’s dad Doc Riley is a member of the Blue Knights, a law enforcement motorcycle club.
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- Up-and-coming country artist Michael Ray honored the soldiers prior to giving a concert at the Salute for Soldiers.
DADE CITY — About 300 soldiers and their families enjoyed dinner and entertainment Sept. 11 at the Pasco County Fairgrounds to thank and send their farewells to the G Company 53rd BSB FSC Field Artillery National Guard Unit from Dade City that soon ships out overseas.
Charley Belcher of Fox 13 was master of ceremonies of the event, which took place on the anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite was among the dignitaries present, as were Pasco County Commission Chairman Jack Mariano and Dade City Mayor Scott Black.
“It is rather fitting that on 9/11 that we have this event,” Brown-Waite said. “We should never forget that there are terrorists out there who want to destroy our way of life. I can’t wait to welcome you home, each and every one of you.”
Unit Commander Travis L. Johnson made remarks considering the Sept. 11 attacks and the unit’s readiness. He presented plaques to the dinner’s host, The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce, and to chamber member Missy Lee for her leadership in planning the salute to the soldiers.
