There are few things that could make free live music, hot dogs and lemonade at Memorial Park better. Enjoying them as part of an annual celebration is one.
The public is welcome and there is no charge for the second annual Veterans Appreciation in the Park celebration to be held noon-6 p.m. Sunday. Sponsored by the Jefferson City Veterans Council, the event is intended to honor veterans and their families.
"It was just something we wanted to do at the Jefferson City Veterans Council to thank veterans in the community," council President Don Hentges said. "We decided to try it last year, and it was pretty successful."
Veterans from Vietnam and Korea weren't treated well when they returned from war, Hentges said. Many just came home and returned to work and kept their experiences inside.
A goal of the appreciation day is to get veterans out in a place where they can talk to each other, families and strangers.
Several hundred people attended in 2017. Some stopped in and had a hot dog and visited a little bit, Hentges said.
Organizers hope to see more people at the event this year.
The event will feature five live performers: Byron Neighbors, Ben Green, Minor Inconvenience, Brad & Charity, and Shea & Shorty.
The Jefferson City Veterans Council organizes the Veterans Day program at the Capitol rotunda, Memorial Day ceremonies and other events. It was instrumental in bringing the Vietnam War Moving Wall to Jefferson City.
The council raised funds for the veterans plaza in front of the Jefferson City Police Station.
"We are in the process of trying to update that with more areas for bricks for veterans," Hentges said. "We want to include the veterans for the War on Terrorism."