TIFFIN, OH — This September marks the 15th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks that claimed the lives of nearly 3,000 Americans. Army, Retired), is spearheading a community Patriot Day Salute celebration that will honor all First Responders—admission to the all-day event is free to all First Responders: Military, Veterans, Policemen, Firemen and Hospital personnel as a thank you and recognit
ion of their community dedication. Patriot Day Salute will kick off in Tiffin on September 11, 2016, with a 5K run/walk scheduled to start at 8:46 a.m. — the exact minute American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into the World Trade Center’s North Tower. There will also be a parade and several other events that are still in the planning stages. The event will be capped off with a concert at the Seneca County Fairgrounds featuring country music star Darryl Worley, whose 9/11-themed song “Have You Forgotten” was No. 1 on the Billboard Country Music Chart for seven weeks in 2003. Worley has had 18 songs on the Billboard Top 100. The “Eric Sowers Band,” a local sensation, will perform before Worley takes the stage. Worley is well-known to military personnel. Dubbed the modern-day Bob Hope, the musician has traveled to the front lines in Iraq and Afghanistan every year since 9/11 to entertain the troops. “Worley goes deep into enemy territory and entertains in places where no other performer has or will perform,” Scheid said. Patriot Day Salute tickets (only $10 each) will officially go on sale to the general public this spring.
“I thought the time would be right for a celebration since police have been getting a really bad rap lately, Scheid said. “Something like this will be good not only for First Responders–it will also be good for the citizens of Tiffin and Seneca County.”
Sponsorships for the event range from $50 to $10,000 and are currently are being accepted. According to Scheid, the event will cost about $30,000. “We’ve already collected donations from very generous donors, and we haven’t sold a ticket yet,” he said. “Every category of sponsorship will receive something, from a T-shirt to VIP seating, to a meet and greet with Darryl Worley.”
Additional profits from the Patriot Day Salute celebration will go toward refurbishing monuments throughout Seneca and surrounding counties. Profits also have been earmarked for the Sergeant Anthony J. Paradiso, Seneca County Support Our Troops Fund, veterans memorials, and Prevention Services and Education to Veterans (not covered by the V.A.), and First Responders. For additional information about the Patriot Day Salute celebration or how you or your business can be a sponsor, contact:
Tony Paradiso at 419.386.9503 or email [email protected].
