Photo By Cpl. Mark Watola | Patrons enjoy activities during the 11th annual Military Appreciation Day at Hammocks...... read more read more
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MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. – Swansboro organizations and community members showed gratitude for service members through its 11th annual Military Appreciation Day at Hammocks Beach State Park in Swansboro, N.C., June 7.
The Swansboro Area Chamber of Commerce, Hammocks Beach State Park and Friends of the Hammocks and Bear Island coordinated to host Military Appreciation Day.
“We held Military Appreciation Day to give back to the military community,” said Donna Hammonds, executive director of Swansboro Area Chamber of Commerce military affairs committee. “The day is fun because it’s all about military families.”
The event is for service members and their families to come out and enjoy a relaxing day. In addition, the event lets service members know how much the community appreciates what they do, said Paul Donnelly, superintendent of Hammocks Beach State Park.
Military Appreciation Day started in 2003, with approximately 200 in attendance, said Donnelly. Last year more than 4000 attended and this year there were more than 5000 people in attendance.
Hammocks Beach State Park hosted free food, nature exhibits, informational booths, and live music.
“It’s free and there’s information for the whole family,” said retired Gunnery Sgt. Brian Kinnaly. I learned about camping on Bear Island and the kids learned about nature.”
The state park also hosted a variety of kids’ activities to include a magician, a t-shirt making station and more.
It’s a fun afternoon for the kids, said Maj. Jordan Meads, an operations officer with Combat Logistics Regiment 27. There were lots of activities for the kids and the bouncy house was popular.
Hammocks Beach State Park also provided ferry rides to Bear Island. Friends of the Hammocks and Bear Island helped provide additional boats to ferry attendees to the island.
“My favorite part of Military Appreciation Day is seeing the kids running around having a good time,” said David Pearson, president of FHBI Inc. “Friends of the Hammocks and Bear Island is a non-profit group who supports and promotes the park.”
Swansboro’s Military Appreciation Day is held the first Saturday of June at Hammocks Beach State Park.
| Date Taken: | 06.07.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 06.13.2014 10:20 |
| Story ID: | 132985 |
| Location: | MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 79 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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