Freedom's Never Free Appreciation Celebration

FREEDOM'S NEVER FREE 2025
80 years!  It's been 80 years since the end of WWII.  To celebrate, Freedom's Never Free is bringing the Traveling WWII Memorial.  We invite everyone to join us as we honor and show our appreciation to those who've served our great nation.  Please note, this event is FREE and all are welcome!
 
Thursday, Nov. 6th @ 12 p.m. - The escort bringing the Traveling WWII Memorial will arrive at the Fairfield County Fairgrounds, 157 E Fair Ave., Lancater, OH  43130.  
This year we have a "Bikers versus Jeepers Challenge".  Whichever group has the most vehicles in the escort, they will win the Freedom's Never Free Traveling Trophy which will be passed down each year with a gold plate of the winning group on the trophy.  We ask anyone wishing to participate in the escort to be at the staging area, Mott's Military Museum, 5075 S. Hamilton Rd., Groveport, OH  43125, no later than 9 a.m., Nov. 6th.  Escort participants will receive a free tour of the museum and will need to receive a ticket from Jeannie at the museum parking lot.  Kickstands up at 11:30 a.m.
 
Thursday, Nov. 6th @ 4 p.m. - Field of Heroes Posting of the Colors and Opening Ceremony.  Those who've sponsored a Field of Heroes flag are invited to come post your heroes flag.  After all flags are posted, we will move to the Ed Sands bldg on the premises for the Opening Ceremony where you'll enjoy the McClain Silent Drill Team, a Veteran's pinning ceremony, guest speakers, and more.
 
Friday, Nov. 7th @ 7 p.m. - Freedom's Never Free USO Dance.  Since this year's theme is WWII, we welcome all who will, to dress in WWII era attire.  The best dressed will receive a prize.
 
Saturday, Nov. 8th @ 3:30 p.m. - Freedom's Never Free Appreciation Celebration & Closing Ceremony.  Attendees will enjoy guest speakers, join us in recognizing, showing our appreciation of and honoring the men and women who've served and sacrificed so much for our great nation and the cause for freedom.
The Closing Ceremony will immediately follow the Appreciation Celebration.
 
Additionally, we will have the following:
11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. - Registration for the Patriotic Pet Parade and Corn Hold Tournament in the Ed Sands Bldg.
 
12:00  p.m. - For the Pet Parade, pets must be dressed in a patriotic costume. Winner will receive a $50 gift.
                    - Corn Hole Tournament, blind draw, $15 per person.
 
12:00-3:00 p.m. - Those who have torn or tattered flags are encouraged to bring them to have them properly and respectfully retired at the Flag Retirement Ceremony starting at noon.
 
We welcome all who will to join us in honoring and showing appreciation to those who have and are serving our great nation (Veterans, Military and 1st Responders)
 
Hogs n Hunnie's food truck will be at the event to serve our hungry bellies