Oceanside Chamber to Honor Local Military Families
The Oceanside Chamber is proud to host Operation Appreciation on May 19 from 11:00 to 4:00 at the Oceanside Pier. Each Armed Forces Day, this event is an opportunity to say thank you to active duty military and families for all their sacrifices.
Online, May 3, 2012 (Newswire.com) - The Oceanside Chamber of Commerce is proud to host Operation Appreciation on May 19, 2012 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Oceanside Pier Amphitheater, 300 North The Strand. Each Armed Forces Day, Operation Appreciation is an opportunity to say "thank you" to active duty military and their families for all their sacrifices. Active-duty military from Camp Pendleton and other local military bases are invited down to the Oceanside Pier for a party of music, carnival rides and food.
Operation Appreciation began after 9/11 and has become a community tradition that draws nearly 8,000 people every year to this all-day festival. This year the event has grown with nearly 40 local and corporate sponsors and will be presented by Jeep, Genentech and Pacific Marine Credit Union.
With that growth, the Oceanside Chamber has expanded the Fun Zone, sponsored by DATRON, adding to fun with additional carnival rides and food by Domino's Pizza. The Armed Forces YMCA will provide volunteers who will do face painting and tattoos. SeaWorld will provide a favorite mascot, Shamu, who will be available to pose for pictures.
With a valid military id, active duty military and their dependents, will receive a wristband which will provide them access to free carnival rides and great food.
While this event seeks to thank active duty military and their dependents, Operation Appreciation is dependent upon members of the general public who attend to show their appreciation, to meet and thank the service members and their families. The public is invited to participate and join in the celebration. Tickets can be purchased to ride the carnival rides and food is also available for purchase.
Opening Ceremonies will begin at the Pier Amphitheater at 11:30 a.m. with the Oceanside Fire Department Honor Guard presenting colors and the Bonsall West Elementary School Choir performing three patriotic songs. At Noon, food service will begin in the Oceanside Community Center -- free to active duty military and their families (others can buy food). There will be hamburgers, hot dogs and chicken wings provided by local restaurants, including Hunter Steakhouse, Hooters. A local band consisting of military veterans, The Mistress of MidLife Crisis, will perform on stage offering a wide variety of popular rock tunes.
New this year, San Diego Charger Girls will be on hand from 11:30 to 1:30 to attend the Opening Ceremonies and to pose for photos.
The Navy LCAC will land on the beach north of the pier and the Mechanized Museum will provide land and amphibious vehicles for display. The EOD Team (Explosive Ordinance Disposal) will also be on a hand demonstrating their equipment.
Join us for all the fun and show your appreciation to the brave men and women who fight to keep us free!
For more information call the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce at 760-722-1534 or visit www.OceansideOperationAppreciation.com