| I never served. Because so many
fine men and women did, I never had to. Because the freedoms that we all
enjoy have been protected through history by so few for the good of so
many I decided it was time to do something to say thank you to those who
had sacrificed so much for me (and yes, you too!).
I am not a man of means. I'm working class
like so many others, so just writing a check is really not an
option. Besides I knew I could do far more with my talents than I
ever could with my checkbook. Put in my mind by a Congressional
Candidate in my district, I decided to take on the project of putting
together a benefit for those who have been disabled in the protection of
my freedoms. I'm an amateur musician so a concert event seemed
logical.
This event grew out of that simple desire and has
now taken on a life of its own. As I began to talk to others about
the idea it became clear that there are many others in the same
boat as me...wanting to do something but not knowing exactly what they
could do. When given the opportunity to become part of such an
event, they have jumped at the chance.
We all have our own feelings about the current
conflict in Iraq, Afghanistan and around the world. The freedom to
have and voice our own opinions is one of the many that these people
have defended. This event is NOT about debating the
war. We are here to support the troops. This is a
Non-Partisan event. Invitations to speak and/or attend have gone
out to people all over the political spectrum including current
Congressmen and Congressional Candidates.
No one but the Veterans
of Foreign Wars, Department of California Foundation is making any money from
the donations to this
event. It is being planned with a Zero budget. The Tee Room
has donated it's facilities and is also giving to the VFW based on
attendance. The talent and speakers are all giving of themselves
to entertain and inform you. All of the event staff are volunteers.
So far I have succeeded in the goal of putting this together with a Zero
budget. As it develops there may be some instances where there is
money needed for small items so please consider donating to the event
before hand. See our donations page
for information on that.
So if you're reading this, come join us for a day
of music, information, food and fun. Make your $20 minimum
donation at the door (yes, you can give more). That's about what
it would cost to go to the movies these days. Come give not only
money but moral support to those who defend and have defended what you
have.
-Ken Bailey |
