Community Events
SAR honors Vietnam Era veterans and families at Winchester National Cemetery
On March 29, 2023, the Colonel James Wood II Chapter of the Virginia Society, Sons of the American Revolution and the Winchester American Red Cross co-sponsored a ceremony to honor veterans of the Vietnam War. The event was conducted at National Cemetery, Winchester, Virginia. Ed Helphinstine, Regional Program Officer Service to the Armed Forces, American Red Cross opened the ceremony with the Colonel James Wood II, Sons of the American Revolution Color Guard presenting and posting the colors.
National Vietnam Veterans Day was established for Americans to remember and commemorate the service and sacrifices made by nearly three million service members who served in Vietnam, all who served and their families during the era November 1, 1955 to May 15, 1975, regardless of location. No distinction is made between those who served in-country or who were stationed else. All were called and none could self-determine where they would serve. The Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017 was signed into law by 45th U.S. President Donald J. Trump, designating every March 29 as National Vietnam War Veterans Day. It was chose as the day U.S. Military Assistance Command, Vietnam was disestablished, the last U.S. combat troops departed Vietnam and Hanoi released the last of its acknowledged prisoners of war.
Congress outlined five objectives for The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration, with the primary objective to thank and honor Vietnam veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice on behalf of the Nation, with distinct recognition of former prisoners of war and families of those still listed as missing in action. The four remaining objectives highlight the service of our Armed Forces and support organizations during the war; pay tribute to wartime contributions at home by American citizens; highlight technology, science and medical advances made during the war; and recognize contributions by our Allies.
Edie McGoff, provided a Missing Man Tribute while Jerry Headley posted the POW/MIA flag to honor the 1,264 Americans who remain unaccounted for in Vietnam. Dale Corey gave a tribute to veterans followed by a recognition of Vietnam Veterans and Families. Military and Red Cross flags were posted with escorts from the era. For the U.S. Army, Rich Petro; U.S. Marine Corps, James Wolfe, U.S. Navy, William H. Hyman; U.S. Coast Guard, Jerry Horna (US Navy); U.S. Air Force, Cleatus Bell and American Red Cross, Narce Caliva. The Colonel James Wood II Musket Squad fired a three round salute to commemorate the veterans and families of the era. This was followed with Darline and Robert DeMott leading the singing of “God Bless America” and closing remarks from Stacy McFarland, Executive Director and Jeff Kirby, USA Veteran and Board Member of the ARC of the Greater Shenandoah Valley. The Colonel James Wood II color guard was commanded by Brett Osborn and included Sean Carrigan, Jim Cordes (dual member from Fairfax Resolves), Dale Corey, Thomas “Chip” Daniel, Doug Hall, Allan Phillips, Marc Robinson and Richard Tyler.
Community Events
American Legion Community Band to Host Annual Independence Day Concert
The American Legion Community Band will present its annual Independence Day Concert on Friday, July 5, 2024, at 7:30 p.m. This festive event will be held at the Northern Virginia 4-H Center in Front Royal, Virginia, and promises an evening of music and celebration.
Following the concert, attendees can enjoy a spectacular fireworks display at dusk, around 9:15 p.m. While the concert itself is free, parking is charged. Visitors can park for $5.00 off Harmony Hollow Road or for $10.00 along 4-H Center Drive. This small fee helps support the venue’s maintenance and operations, ensuring a smooth experience for all guests.
A Tradition of Music and Community
The American Legion Community Band, based in Front Royal, Virginia, has been a cherished part of the community since its formation in 1986. Sponsored by the Giles B. Cook Post #53 of the American Legion, the band is composed of volunteer musicians from the local area. Their dedication to bringing music to the community is evident in their numerous yearly performances.
The band offers a diverse repertoire under the baton of conductors Ed Richards, Ronald Dye, and Mark Malechek. Their performances range from classical compositions to popular tunes, marches, and even operatic overtures. The band’s versatility ensures there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Join the Band
The American Legion Community Band is always welcoming new members. They hold rehearsals every Tuesday from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. at the Fulton Fine Arts Complex band room at Randolph-Macon Academy in Front Royal. Anyone who plays an instrument and is interested in joining is encouraged to attend a rehearsal.
A Year-Round Commitment to Music
The band’s performance season runs from September through July, featuring various indoor and outdoor performances. These events, all free and open to the public, are a testament to the band’s commitment to enhancing the community’s cultural fabric. Whether performing at concerts, community festivals, or special events like the Independence Day Concert, the American Legion Community Band consistently delivers high-quality musical experiences.
About the Venue
The Northern Virginia 4-H Center, located in the scenic town of Front Royal, provides a perfect backdrop for the Independence Day Concert. The center, known for its community-focused activities and beautiful surroundings, is an ideal location for an evening of music and celebration. For more information about the venue, visit the Northern Virginia 4-H Center.
For more details about the band and its activities, visit the American Legion Community Band website. Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy a night of wonderful music and dazzling fireworks with family and friends. Mark your calendars for July 5, 2024, and celebrate Independence Day with the American Legion Community Band.
Community Events
Quality Title Fundraises for the Humane Society’s Wagner Shelter Animals
Concurrently to the Town of Front Royal Open House from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 22, up Chester Street northbound several blocks, was the Quality Title-sponsored fundraiser for the Humane Society of Warren County (HSWC). This free entry event with games for the kids sought pet food, supplies, or cash donations in exchange for a meal hinted at in the slogan “Hot Dogs & Dogs.” All donations supported the animals housed at the HSWC’s Julia Wagner Animal Shelter, this community’s contracted public shelter for stray, abandoned, or abused animals.
Donations, be they cash or pet food and supplies, were swapped by attendees for not only a hot dog but chips, a drink, and ice cream. We’re sure the ice cream was appreciated in the heat and may have led to additional donations for that second helping of beat-the-heat ice cream. — I believe we heard some Ruff-Ruffs and Purrrrrs of appreciation echoing across town from the Wagner Shelter animals.
Thanks, Quality Title, for supporting the Humane Society of Warren County and its Wagner Shelter animals searching for quality Forever Homes. And remember, not only to protect you and your family in the extreme heat, but your pets as well.
Here are some event photos below provided by Quality Title taken by Leah Howard of Leah Faith Photography.
Community Events
Emergency Preparedness in Action: Amateur Radio Field Day Highlights
June 22-23 marks the 2024 ARRL Field Day! This amateur radio event is both an open house for ham radio and a chance for the amateur community to unite and practice operating under unique conditions. Our publisher, Mike McCool, sat down with Greg Butler, the leader of Warren County EmComm, to learn more about this annual event. Greg shared insights into the importance and operations of their amateur radio activities.
“Today is Amateur Radio Field Day,” Greg explained. “It’s an event that encompasses all of North America, including Canada and the U.S. It’s always held on the fourth full weekend in June. The idea behind Field Day is to set up your station in a more austere environment than the comfort of your home and demonstrate to the public how you can serve the community by being able to set up a station quickly and operate.”
As Greg and Mike chatted, the air was filled with excitement as radio enthusiasts aimed to contact other stations across the U.S. “The goal today is to see where we can reach with our humble setup,” Greg said. “We’ve already contacted California and Colorado. Earlier, we heard a station in Croatia, though we couldn’t connect with them. Our primary focus is to serve Warren County and Front Royal. If emergency communications are degraded or destroyed, we can use our radios to communicate across the county and even down to the Virginia Department of Emergency Management in Richmond.”
Greg Butler, who many consider the leader of this group, describes himself more as a choreographer. “I coordinate our efforts for the county,” he said. “I am the primary liaison to the fire department, to whom we report.”
The group is an official county communicator team. “Every member has to be licensed by the FCC with an amateur radio license and express an interest in public service. They complete a formal application with the county fire department and undergo a fingerprint-based background check. We also take a class in criminal justice to ensure we can operate within the emergency operations center and dispatch areas where sensitive information is displayed.”
To ensure readiness, the team conducts weekly tests. “Every Wednesday morning, we test the emergency operations center radios to ensure they’re working properly. In the afternoon, we test the radio station at the hospital. Our portable station can be deployed anywhere the county needs us. We have a permanent antenna at Warren County Middle School, which can be used as a shelter during severe weather, and another at the Front Royal Police Station. We can be operational in about ten minutes.”
As they walked through the event, Greg introduced some team members. “This is Tom Blicharz, whose call sign is KR4DO, and Sam Cheshire, KQ4RIV. Today is a contest, so they’re trying to contact other stations nationwide. Sam logs each contact as proof.”
The organization has about 15 or 16 active members and is always looking for new recruits. “Not everyone is retired like me,” Greg noted. “If something happens at 2 PM on a Tuesday, we can activate two or three people immediately. We can figure out shift coverage if an emergency extends overnight.”
Mike inquired about the relevance of amateur radio in today’s world of cell phones. Greg explained, “Everyone has a cell phone until the system goes down. The cellular system relies on many towers. Weather, extended power outages, or major events can take them down. Amateur radio operates on specific frequencies that don’t rely on that infrastructure, allowing us to communicate when other systems fail.”
Greg highlighted the versatility of amateur radio equipment. “The FCC gives us segments of the radio spectrum, allowing us to communicate locally, regionally, or even globally, depending on atmospheric conditions and our goals.”
For those interested in joining, Greg advised, “We have a Facebook page called Warren County EmComm. People can message us there or contact the fire department, who can connect them with me. We’re always looking for new members, though we want to ensure they’re genuinely interested. There are plenty of amateur radio activities outside of emergency communications.”
Mike thanked Greg for his dedication and the team’s hard work. “Your crew looks intense, concentrating on making good contacts. It’s great to see such commitment.”
As the day progressed, the sun matched the warmth of the community spirit, with amateur radio enthusiasts demonstrating their vital role in emergency preparedness and communication.
Warren County EmComm Prepares for Emergencies with Annual Field Day
Community Events
First Local Celebration of ‘Juneteenth’ Anniversary of the 1865 Freeing of 250,000 Texas Slaves Heats up the Gazebo Stage
From noon to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 19, in the Gazebo-anchored Village Commons Park in Historic Downtown Front Royal, the Warren County community hosted its inaugural acknowledgement of the “Juneteenth” anniversary of implementation of the legal abolition of slavery in the westernmost Confederate state of Texas on June 19, 1865. We’ll let the website of the National Museum of African American History & Culture explain the impetus for Juneteenth:
“On ‘Freedom’s Eve,’ or the eve of January 1, 1863, the first Watch Night services took place. On that night, enslaved and free African Americans gathered in churches and private homes all across the country awaiting news that the Emancipation Proclamation had taken effect. At the stroke of midnight, prayers were answered as all enslaved people in Confederate States were declared legally free. Union soldiers, many of whom were black, marched onto plantations and across cities in the south reading small copies of the Emancipation Proclamation spreading the news of freedom in Confederate States …
“But not everyone in Confederate territory would immediately be free. Even though the Emancipation Proclamation was made effective in 1863, it could not be implemented in places still under Confederate control. As a result, in the westernmost Confederate state of Texas, enslaved people would not be free until much later. Freedom finally came on June 19, 1865, when some 2,000 Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas. The army announced that the more than 250,000 enslaved black people in the state, were free by executive decree. This day came to be known as ‘Juneteenth,’ by the newly freed people in Texas …
“Juneteenth marks our country’s second independence day. Although it has long been celebrated in the African American community, this monumental event remains largely unknown to most Americans,” the National Museum of African American History & Culture observes.
We contacted people involved in the 2024 “Juneteenth” anniversary here on why it is an important date to memorialize. We were initially alerted to a post by Warren County Democratic Committee Chair Kris Nelson on the importance of this date to all our histories, regardless of our racial or ethnic heritage:
“It’s not enough to be passive observers, we must actively engage with the history, struggles, and ongoing fight for justice that this day represents for the Black community. We must educate ourselves, confront our privileges, and amplify the voices of those who have been marginalized. Juneteenth demands our unity and commitment to building a world where freedom and equality are not just ideals but realities for all,” Nelson wrote.
We reached out to local event co-organizer Gene Kilby for a perspective on bringing this holiday into the local consciousness of all county citizens. “Slavery was one the darkest times in the U.S. for African-Americans. Our ancestors suffered extreme brutality for over 250 years. Suetta Freeman and myself as co-chairs on the Revitalization Committee for the Warren/Page NAACP realized that most counties around Warren County and Front Royal were having a celebration of this glorious occasion. We wanted our community also to be aware of the significance of this great moment in history. We formed an Event Committee and we met once a week for about two months to bring our 1st annual Juneteenth celebration to fruition. Education and communication brings about understanding. Together our community can be better,” Kilby asserted with an eye on a 2025 Juneteenth celebration number two here.
For an additional photographic look at acknowledged guests, speakers, and live entertainment at the inaugural Juneteenth 2024 in Front Royal, Virginia, continue to scroll down.
Community Events
Third Annual Gospel-Fest Unites Community in Support of Habitat for Humanity Housing
We spoke to organizers of the third annual Gospel-Fest event held Saturday, June 15, at the Gazebo-anchored Village Commons Park at the intersection of East Main and Chester Streets in Historic Downtown Front Royal. The event, organized in support of Habitat for Humanity efforts on behalf of families struggling to maintain a livable home situation in this community, featured Gospel music performances by a number of area musical and church-based groups.
A full list of featured performers was supplied to us by event organizer Pastor Shannon Roman of The Embassy Deliverance & Worship Center, Front Royal, Va. Campus, they were: Mary and Wimpy Kenny, Band of Brothers, Voices of Grace, Meade Skelton, The Diamond Warriors, House of God Path to Heaven Worship Team, Heart of Worship Dancers, and Grace by Faith. Below band and choir shots were provided by organizers without IDs – But let’s just say you all know who you are and how great you all were on Saturday.
Pastor Roman cited Virginia Housing as the event’s primary sponsor and added this observation about the impetus of the now annual Gospel-Fest: “This event was to showcase the Christianity in Habitat For Humanity and show people that we care about helping people to live safely and get affordable housing in our community. We thank the Lord for allowing us to have such a great event that didn’t only showcase singers but also brought churches together to serve one mission and that’s to glorify God for allowing us to come together to build in our community for families in need.
“It was an awesome event … the 4th year is in the works,” she enthused of a project she helped launch three years ago.
We also reached out to Habitat for Humanity, whose director Andrea Ross responded. “Warren County Habitat for Humanity would like to take the time to thank all of the vendors and churches that came out and showed their support. There was soul stirring music, dancing, delicious food and everyone had a good time.
“The kids got to get their faces painted, made slime, painted rocks and enjoyed the bounce house. We are grateful for the support of the community to be able to present what fun, faith and unity looks like. Events like the Gospel Fest allow us to remind our citizens publicly that we are a resource for affordable housing and home repairs for the residents of Warren County,” Ross observed, adding, “A special thank you to Virginia Housing as our premium sponsor, Premier Home and Lawn Care LLC for donating the bounce house, State Farm agencies of Bill Powers and Ellen Aders,” Ross added with a nod to all those others who contributed to the event. “We are excited to prepare for our 4th Annual Gospel Fest and we are looking forward to it getting bigger and better as it has every year.”
Sponsors included: Harvest Mission, Latter Day Saints, Luxor Detailing, Leaf Home, Laura’s Lemonade, Capture the Moment by Jenn, Artsifi Gems, Seniors First, Kim Roivas, Just Serve, Sewfanciful ETC, A Little of Heaven Catering, Merry Mountain Mama, EM Woodworking, Bad Dog Barbeque LLC, Signs and Designs by Laura, Grace Bible Fellowship, Warren County Democratic Committee, Romans Hair School Front Royal, Embassy Deliverance & Worship, Warren Coalition, Orchard Ministries International, Guts Media, Busy B Wood Art, Riverton United, Gonewestern Tack & Apparel.
Community Events
FREE TICKETS – Baseball in Front Royal This Friday, Jun 21st, 2024 – 7 pm
The Front Royal Catholic community will sponsor the first of two “Catholic Nights” at Bing Crosby Stadium. The second game will be held on Friday, July 19th. Our Catholic neighbors have graciously invited us to join them as their guests on either or both evenings.
The Knights of Columbus, Christendom College, and the Lloyd Law Group sponsor the games.
Admission Details:
- An entire family will be admitted free by presenting a copy of the attached flyer (reproduced on a home computer or tear-off flyer below).
- The goal is to fill all 1,500 seats at the stadium.
- An entire family with a single flyer will be admitted at no cost.
These two games, sponsored annually by our friends, have always attracted a large crowd and provided a fun night for the entire family.
There’s something deeply American about watching the national game in a small community on a warm summer evening. The games feature college kids recruited from all over America, spending two months of their lives in a small town they may never visit again, trying to bring a championship to this small community.
Post-Game Fun:
- Kids get to run the bases after the game, which is always a big hit.
The Cardinals, our home team, are among the 12 teams in a college summer baseball league in the Shenandoah Valley, playing 44 games during June and July. They have won five games and are fighting hard for a playoff spot.
Contact Information:
- If anyone has questions about how to get an entire family into the game for free, tell them to call John Lundburg at 253-273-2951.
Go Cardinals!
Click here to download the flyer.