Salvation Army Veteran’s Day Tribute 11-11-11 at Shell Factory
The Salvation Army of Lee, Hendry and Glades Counties will honor those who have served our country on Friday, Nov. 11, during its first Veteran’s Day Tribute. The event will be held at The Shell Factory, 2787 North Tamiami Trail, in North Fort Myers.
The ceremony will begin shortly after 10:45 a.m. so that those attending can observe a traditional moment of silence at exactly 11 a.m. as a sign of respect for those who have died while serving our country.
The keynote speaker will be James Lee Dozier, one of Southwest Florida’s most recognizable veterans.
Dozier is a retired U.S. Army General Officer who was kidnapped by a Marxist terrorist group in December of 1981. He was rescued after 42 days of captivity. Dozier was kidnapped from his apartment in Italy by four men posing as plumbers. His wife was not kidnapped, but was held at gunpoint to coerce Gen. Dozier to comply. As a result of his kidnapping, all U.S. military personnel are required to study his case for annual anti-terrorism training.
Others attending will include State Senator Lizbeth Benacquisto and Lee County Commissioner Tammy Hall.
“Veterans and The Salvation Army have always had a very special relationship, with a very special history,” said Major Tom Louden of The Salvation Army. “The Salvation Army was on the front lines serving soldiers as far back as World War I, providing them with help, whether it be with spiritual support or helping with the injured. We are honored to be able to pay tribute to those who have given so much of themselves to defend our country.
“Working with The Salvation Army on this project is exciting on so many levels; I love the tie they have with veterans as they have been serving on the front lines since 1917,” said Shell Factory Vice President Pamela J. Cronin. “The story of the donut lassies that served the tasty treats and love and compassion to men serving our country is as cute as it is touching.
“It is only fitting that we combine a day of honoring our veterans with helping with the upcoming kickoff of the annual Kettle Drive. You know Christmas is right around the corner when you see the red kettles pop up at local retail stores. I hope our friends in the community each grab a handful of change to put in the kettle and help provide holiday cheer for those who would otherwise have none.
“I am a veteran,” said Shell Factory Senior Vice President Tom Cronin Sr. “I have great empathy for the soldiers and what they have done for our country and this is just a small way to show our appreciation. Gen. Dozier is a friend of mine and we’re happy he can take the time to come here to recognize our soldiers.”
The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in 1865, has been supporting those in need for 130 years in the United States. Nearly 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. For more information, go to www.salvationarmyleecounty.org.
The Shell Factory is located off of U.S. 41 in North Fort Myers. For information on the Shell Factory, go to shellfactory.com or call 995-2141.
For information on the event, call The Salvation Army of Lee, Hendry & Glades Counties at 278-1551.
The event is open to the public and free of charge.