NEWS

Freedom's Never Free event focuses on WWII

Carl Burnett Jr.
Reporter

LANCASTER – This year's Freedom's Never Free event will feature World War II.

Britney Keanne Branch, left, and Janny Roy drill holes into one of the 23 panels the volunteers are making Saturday at the Fairfield County Airport. Volunteers are working on the weekends to build a traveling World War II memorial for this year’s Freedom’s Never Free event at the Fairfield County Fairgrounds in November.

Jeannie Ignash, the organizer for the event, said volunteers have been working to build a traveling World War II memorial that will be on display during the event, Nov. 4-7.

As World War II survivors grow smaller in number, many still have not had a chance to view the memorial built on National Mall in Washington, D.C., to honor the sacrifices of the conflict.

"I know of only one other display, a traveling tabletop version of the memorial," Ignash said. "But we are going to build a scaled down version that will contain many elements of the memorial."

The plan then, after its introduction to the public during the Freedom's Never Free celebration, is in 2016 to allow the display to travel around the country with volunteer veterans, similar to the way the Traveling Vietnam Wall is displayed around the country, Ignash said.

Volunteers work on building 23 panels Saturday at the Fairfield County Airport. Volunteers are working on the weekends to build a traveling World War II memorial for this year’s Freedom’s Never Free event at the Fairfield County Fairgrounds in November.

The Freedom's Never Free ceremonies will be held again this year at the Fairfield County Fairgrounds.

"During our opening ceremonies, we will have Fairfield County Sheriff Dave Phalen, who will be talking about his father, a World War II veteran," Ignash said.

The Remnant Expressive Signing Team sponsors the annual event, which is made possible through donations from businesses and organizations.

The Freedom's Never Free event recognizes past and present members of the U.S. Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard and National Guard, along with firefighters and law enforcement officials. Honorees' families also are recognized.

Karen Loy sands down one of the 23 panels the volunteers are making Saturday at the Fairfield County Airport. Volunteers are working on the weekends to build a traveling World War II memorial for this year’s Freedom’s Never Free event at the Fairfield County Fairgrounds in November.

"For the first time, this year, we are also going to hold a USO dance and everyone is invited to wear period clothing on Nov. 6," Ignash said. "The Nostalgics, an 18-piece dance band, will be performing."

To find out more about the Freedom's Never Free event, visit FreedomsNeverFree.com.

cburnett@lancastereaglegazette.com

740-681-4346

Twitter: @CarlBurnettJr

Freedom's Never Free schedule

Nov. 4

4 p.m.: Escort arrives at Fairfield County Fairgrounds. Static displays, Field of Heroes will be set up.

Nov. 5

4 p.m.: Opening ceremony. The grounds will open 24 hours a day through event.

Nov. 6

All Day: Day of Remembrance (A day when people can come and check out the WWII Traveling Memorial)

7 p.m. USO dance. People are encouraged to dress for the era.

Nov. 7

1-6:30 p.m.: Freedom's Never Free appreciation celebration

1-3:30 p.m.: Visitors can browse through the displays and Field of Heroes.

3:30 p.m. Parachutists kick off appreciation celebration with jump

3:45 p.m. Appreciation celebration at the Sands Building.