American Legion Takes 185 First Responders To Dinner
Parma's American Legion Post 572 recently held its first annual First Responders Appreciation Night, “Heroes Honoring Heroes” and thanks to all involved it was a huge success.
Members from all units of the Joseph J. Jacubic Post 572 Parma Ohio along with other posts within the district and some local businesses, teamed up to show their local first responders some appreciation by taking 185 Fire, Police, EMT's, Dispatchers, Sheriffs and their significant others to a night of dinning and entertainment. The event, held at the Holiday Inn in Independence, quickly outgrew original plans to be held at the post.
Commander Tony Kessler and his newly formed event and activity committee hit a grand slam with this one. This is the fourth time in the past 12 months they have put on a “First of its Kind” event. Post 572 Commander Kessler created this event in hopes that it will establish his legacy for his term as Commander. “I am not into erecting statues, or dedicating plaques, but I wanted something that I could pay forward that would identify with the American Legion mission of serving the community. Giving recognition and showing appreciation to our first responders was something I felt was very timely, especially today when there is so much disrespect and opposition to law enforecement” said Kessler.
Total attendance was approximately 225 First responders and Legion Members. Several American Legion posts and American Legion Units within the district sponsored by purchasing all the tickets for the first responders and their wives/guests. A number of local businesses also participated by sponsoring tickets for our first responders and their family. American Legion members and the community contributed nearly $10,000.00 for tickets for the first responders.
City of Parma Mayor, Timothy DeGeeter, presented a proclamation proclaiming May 20th as First Responders Appreciation Day. Speakers included American Legion National Executive Committee Alternate and past department commander, Dennis Clausing; Parma Police Chief, Bob Miller; Parma Fire Chief, Mike Lasky; Veronica Garey, Miss Greater Cleveland and Cate Wallhead, Miss Buckeye State served as official greeters and hostesses- both will be competing this month in Mansfield Ohio for the title of Miss Ohio and a step toward the Miss America crown. The Cleveland Fire Pipers participated in the opening ceremony with the American Legion Post 572 honor guard, joined by the Parma Fire and Police Honor Guard. Music was provided by local group The Rat Pack and More providing a great atmosphere for fun and dancing. Plans are already in the works for next year’s event!
A souvenir photo CD with 144 photo's of the event is available for a $5.00 donation which includes postage and shipping. Please send checks to: American Legion post 572, 6483 State Rd, Parma Oh 44134 Marked for "First Responders 2016 Photos"
Rebecca Devaney
Rebecca Devaney
Joseph J. Jacubic American Legion Post 572
Event Committee Member and Auxiliary Member