The Annual Fallen Heroes Benefit will be held on July 23rd, at the American Legion Post 130. The event will start with a remembrance ceremony at 9:30 a.m. at the LaBelle Veteran’s Memorial Park, located at the intersection of Hwy 80 and SR 29 in the heart of LaBelle and continue at the American Legion Post 130, located at 699 W. Hickpochee Ave., LaBelle, across from the Shell station.

Each year this benefit has been a joint community project co-sponsored by the members of the American Legion Post 130, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10100, Disabled American Veterans Chapter 144 and this year the Women of Moose Chapter 1999.

One of the focal points will be honoring and remembering Marine Staff Sgt. Christopher D. Strickland and Chief Warrant Officer Robert Hammett Jr., two local men killed in action 2008, for which this benefit was started. There will also be a brick laying ceremony with the help of local boy scouts and local veterans.

Again this year, the benefit will feature a great smoked pork steak dinner accompanied by potato salad, coleslaw, baked beans, and a brownie, all for only a $10.00 donation. Some of the other activities will include a 50/50, with donated prizes drawn through-out the day. The pork steak dinner will follow the ceremonies, along with dessert raffle and live entertainment that will round off the day.

Also, a new patriotic T-shirt is available for purchase at the Fallen Heroes Benefit with the proceeds to go to the Veteran’s Park.

Many phone calls, over the last year, have been received at the American Legion asking about the deterioration of the bricks at the park, as mention in earlier articles plans are being made to replace the bricks with a granite wall.

The names of all the veteran’s bricks currently in the park will be engraved on the wall first. Future engravings to happen at periodical times as memorial / names and donations are accrued.

The LaBelle Veteran’s Park is a work in progress and will continue to be molded and shaped to honor our hometown heroes. Remembering the Veterans of our community and our families is the whole meaning behind the park. Organizers ask for your patience as they move forward and your continued commitment to making this center piece of our community a meaningful place to honor our Veterans.

The Fallen Heroes’ Committee would like to thank the City of LaBelle, the many businesses and individuals who have donated their time and monies to help improve and maintain the LaBelle Veterans Memorial Park, year after year. To carry on this a community project we still need your continued support.

Anyone needing information on the benefit should call 863-675-8300.

Tickets are available in advance at the American Legion 130, VFW 10100 and the WOTM 1999 at the Moose Lodge.