The event is Sept. 24 at the Gloucester County 4-H Fairgrounds.
HARRISON TWP. -- For the 32nd year, Paul and Bernadette Blackstock will host a picnic in honor of our veterans.
The free event will take place Saturday, Sept. 24, at noon at the Gloucester County 4-H Fairgrounds.
It all began in 1984 when Paul's father, a D-Day veteran, decided to gather his brothers in arms to mark the 40th anniversary of D-Day. They planned an event in Philadelphia that drew several thousand vets and their families.
Since then, the program has grown and moved a few times. It's been held at the fairgrounds since 2003.
The picnic has expanded to include veterans from all eras, along with their families.
The day features free food, including hot dogs, hamburgers and pulled pork, as well as entertainment and plenty of military-themed exhibits.
Those who aren't veterans, but just want to come out to thank veterans and enjoy a barbecue, are invited, too.
This year, each Vietnam-era veteran will receive a special pin in appreciation of their service. As part of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War, the Philadelphia VA Regional Office partnered with the Commemorative Partner Program to honor all veterans from that era.
"More than 9 million men and women heeded their country's call during the Vietnam era," Bernadette Blackstock said. "Many served in-country while others served overseas. But no matter where they served, most felt they were never welcomed home."
She urged Vietnam-era vets to come out to receive their pin.
The picnic is possible thanks to donations from several businesses and organizations, the Blackstocks noted, including 4H Fair Association, Roundtree Farms, the Harrison House, Duffield Farms, Mission BBQ, Comcast, Warrens Hardware, Glassboro and Gloucester Township Rotary, Greg Armstrong, Michael Jones, Danielle Spence and many others.
Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MattGraySJT. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.