Shell Factory hosts Nam Jam
The Shell Factory, despite Ian-wrought damages in the nature park, the Southern Grill and more, took a step toward Sunday, holding its annual Nam Jam celebration, albeit in a simplified form.
“We’re trying to bring some normalcy back and we didn’t want to cancel Nam Jam because it’s so important to so many people,” general manager Anne Sheridan said. “Big or small, we still want to get back to normal.”
The Shell Factory has re-opened the gift shop and Tommy’s daily from noon to 6 p.m., and expect to have the fun park open soon, as well as the Southern Grill and even the Nature Park, though the latter will need more significant work.
The event was not as well attended as in the past and had no featured speakers or bands as they have had in the past, but it still served its purpose to make those who served in the Vietnam War.
Peter Busch of NBC-2 again served as the master of ceremonies, with the Lee County Sheriff’s Color Guard presenting the colors as Sase sang the national anthem.
There were also bagpipers, the Calendar Girls and a raffle drawing, with the event held pretty much at Tommy’s Bar, with Chuck Pederson providing the entertainment.
But it was those who served during the Vietnam War in the 1960s and 1970s, who were the honored guests for the occasion.
Stuart Berman, a member of Vietnam Vets Chapter 594 in Cape Coral, which helps support veterans in the community through monetary donations or food, said his organization has worked Nam Jam from the beginning.
“It’s a chance to get more members. It’s amazing that many people don’t realize there’s a chapter in Cape Coral,” said Berman, who served in the Navy. “The way we were treated was one of the reasons I became active.”
“It’s nice to hear someone compliment you on what you’ve done, especially when it was 50 or 60 years ago,” said Tim Price, who served in the Navy from 1966-67. “We were just support. I was on a ship and not getting directly shot at. The Army and Marines were the ones in the swamp and the hills and doing the dirty work. These are the guys who need more recognition.”