Mark your calendar for the 2020 LaBelle Veterans Memorial Park Benefit for July 20. The benefit will be held at the LaBelle VFW 10100 and will start with a remembrance ceremony at 9:00 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 VFW, Hwy 29, next to the LaBelle Rodeo grounds.

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 and Disabled American Veterans Chapter 144. Formerly named the Fallen Heroes Benefit in remembrance of 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 and will always be honored and remembered.

The funds raised after the first benefit have 100 percent been donated to the LaBelle Veterans Memorial Park for maintenance and purchasing of monuments that are now in place at the park.

This community project has been become spectacular center piece to our community. A consensus formed that it was time to rename the benefit and celebrate the Veterans Park and all the accomplishments of everyone involved in bringing it to the jewel it has become today.

The LaBelle Veteran’s Park Committee would like to thank the many people that have helped form and build this special place, a place to remember and honor those who have sacrificed so much and continued to do so for our freedom.

The next project on slate for the Park is new Flag poles. It is estimated that the poles will be around $8,000.

Again, this year the benefit will feature a great smoked pork steak dinner accompanied by potato casserole, 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 ceremony, along with a dessert raffle and great entertainment will round off the day.

The LaBelle Veterans Memorial Park Committee would like to thank 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. Also, to thank each individual for their donation. To carry on this community project we still need your continued support. Anyone needing information on the benefit should call 863-675-8008. Tickets are available in advance at the American Legion 130 and the VFW 10100.