On Saturday, May 19, 2018
A day nationally recognized as Armed Forces Appreciation Day, The Perdido Key Area Chamber of Commerce gathered the surrounding community of businesses, organizations and volunteers to give back to the vast population of military personnel in Pensacola through the first-ever Star Spangled Salute: Festival in Appreciation. The Perdido Key Area Chamber worked with the office of Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) of NAS Pensacola to create an event for the troops, to show appreciation in how important their presence is to our country, our community and our businesses.
The Star Spangled Salute: Festival in Appreciation was free and open to active duty and retired military, DOD and their family members. The festival hosted a day of games, activities, food and entertainment for both kids and adults. The Perdido Key community worked together to show appreciation to families so that they can enjoy a day together, that they may not always get to do otherwise. This opportunity to give back to those who keep on giving turned into an opportunity for community collaboration behind one common goal. The military support in our community is apparent and strong. Thank you to all who joined forces with the Perdido Key Chamber to make this event a success in its first year. As the Chamber, we hope to continue to encourage participation in causes, such as Military Appreciation, that deem important to our community as a whole.