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State Assemblyman Robert Smullen, a former Marine and self-described military historian, is hosting the fourth annual “Salute to Service” veterans appreciation dinner at the Paul Nigra Center on Aug. 24 to honor those who have served.
“I am proud to be a member of the Salute to Service Veterans Coalition and to be able to help host this amazing event year after year,” Smullen said in a statement. “Last year was very successful, and we hope to have an even greater turnout this year. Honoring local veterans and their families at events such as this helps thank them for their service and allows caring community members to show our courageous veterans love and support.”
The event will include guest speakers, dinner and music, as well as raffles, giveaways and an award ceremony. Last year’s dinner had more than 400 attendees and more than 200 attendees have signed up for this year’s dinner.
“It’s tremendous. The volunteers that come out, the veterans that come out, it’s becoming quite a highlight of the year,” Smullen, R-Johnstown, said. “This is some of the best people who have done their best for their communities. The veterans that go and serve their country and then they come back and they continue to serve their communities, so we want to thank them for the service and build the veteran community up in the greater area of the Mohawk Valley.”
The event is free for all veterans, active duty service members and a guest of their choosing. Additional guests pay $40. To attend, people can register online.
