A tribute for those who serve
On October 16, James D.Kriegh Park in Oro Valley was the setting for the popular "Rockin’ 4 Heroes" concert featuring the band Leonid & Friends. The event began with a ceremony to honor First Responders, Military, Veterans, Gold Star Families and Healthcare Heroes. The ceremony included representatives of the Oro Valley, Marana, Sahuarita and Tucson Police Departments, along with Pima County Sheriff’s Deputies, Border Patrol Agents, Golder Ranch Firefighters, The U.S. Air Force, nurses, and even a Gold Star Mom. The ceremony featured a “Presentation of the Colors” by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, who were led to the stage by a bagpiper, the singing of the National Anthem by Oro Valley resident Kennedy Cooper, and a Fly-over by the Tucson Police Department helicopter.
The Honorary Chairman of the Rockin’ 4 Heroes event, Dr. Richard Carmona, 17th Surgeon General of the United States, spoke to the crowd about the sacrifices made by our First Responders, Military and Health Care Heroes to keep our community, state and country safe. Bonnie and Michael Quinn, the event's founders, spoke about their son who recently lost his lengthy battle with cancer; they created the event as a way to show their gratitude toward the First Responders who treated their son throughout his illness.
Honored our heroes
Honored at the ceremony were two World War II veterans: Mr. Coleman and Mr. Horn. Awards were presented to several First Responders, including Oro Valley Police Department Deputy Chief Jason Larter.
Also in attendance were Oro Valley Mayor Joe Winfield, Sahuarita Mayor Tom Murphy (Veteran USAF), and Oro Valley Councilmembers Steve Solomon, and Dr. Harry “Mo” Greene (Veteran USAF). Assisting with the event were: the Knights of Columbus-St. Mark Council 13272, The Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association Post 322, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion Riders Post 36, the Patriot Guard for the state of Arizona, Honor and Remember (American Patriot Memorial Chapter), and the Women Warriors of Arizona.
The ceremony was closed out by the sounding of all the sirens of the assembled emergency service vehicles.
The ceremony was closed out by the sounding of all the sirens of the assembled emergency service vehicles.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, the crowd welcomed the exciting band Leonid & Friends to the stage for a free concert featuring the music of the 70’s supergroup Chicago. The concert was sponsored by HSL Properties and the many other local businesses who support Rockin’ 4 Heroes
During the 2-hour concert, the crowd enjoyed great music, food trucks, beverages, exploring the many displays set up by local first responders, and even some raffles and prizes.
Proceeds go to building memorial at Naranja Park
During the 2-hour concert, the crowd enjoyed great music, food trucks, beverages, exploring the many displays set up by local first responders, and even some raffles and prizes.
Proceeds go to building memorial at Naranja Park
All of the net proceeds from the Rockin’ 4 Heroes event will go toward building the Arizona Heroes Memorial at Naranja Park. This memorial, dedicated to all First Responders, Military, Veterans and Health Care Heroes, will be the only one of its kind in Arizona.
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This article was contributed LOVE by Oro Valley resident and and "Rockin' 4 Heroes" Committee Volunteer Mary Murphy.
