General

Saying thank you to those who served

July 25, 2012 Editorial Staff

BROOKLYN MEDIA GROUP/Photos by Arthur de Gaeta

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Wounded Warriors enjoyed a warm welcome in Bensonhurst, where a block party was held on Thursday, July 19 to show the neighborhoods appreciation for their service and their sacrifice.

This is about the Fire Department and its relationship with the Wounded Warriors, said Linda Thompson, community coordinator for the FDNY, which organized the event in conjunction with the Wounded Warrior Project, the culmination of a day-long Soldier Ride, in which hundreds of soldiers from across the country participated.

The route began in Manhattan at about 8:50 a.m.

Over the course of the morning, participants visited the World Trade Center Memorial, rode over the Brooklyn Bridge and attended a wreath laying ceremony which took place at the FDNY Headquarters, located on 9 Metro Tech.

By noon, the soldiers had made their way down to 18th Avenue and 70th street, where local merchants awaited with a block party.

If it wasnt for the firefighters and the local merchants, none of this would be possible, noted Thompson. They have given more than just their time. They have shown their love and support for their wounded soldiers, many of whom are in need of significant rehabilitation.

The soldiers were up and dancing, explained Thompson. It felt like they were at a wedding, she said without putting the ring on.

DJ Mouse provided the entertainment and Tim Tubridy from DJs at Work supplied a photo booth for attendees to take pictures.

It was really amazing, exclaimed Thompson. Every firehouse cooked two trays of food and coordinated getting all the food together. For example, Engine 249/ladder 113, from East New York did the barbecue.

Some of the local stores that donated their foods were La Pastosa and Queen Ann, which donated the pasta dishes, Romeo Meats and Western Beef, which donated the burgers and the chicken, Apple Ice which made an ice sculpture and donated refrigerating trucks, and also Villabate Alba bakery and Faicco’s Sausages.

Rose Caiola, founder of the Manhattan Movement Center, brought in professional face painters and magicians.

About 25 students from Bishop Kearney High School volunteered at the block party by holding banners and flags, and serving food. Patricia Hynes, a teacher at the high school, explained that they have been involved with the Wounded Warriors Project, volunteering in the Soldier Ride, for the past five years.

The girls respond very well, Hynes said. They love being able to help out. They come back and do it again.