2009 Veterans Appreciation Breakfast

In appreciation of the courage, dedication and sacrifice of the men and women that have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, St. John’s Episcopal Church, in sponsorship with the Bay Ridge Rod & Gun Club (BRRG), Dyker Heights Civic Association, Men’s Club of Bay Ridge and Connors & Sullivan PC announces its upcoming 2009 Veterans Appreciation Breakfast on April 24, 2009 at 9:00 am. State Senator Martin Golden (NY-22) is scheduled to be the Keynote speaker at the event.

Senator Golden stated, "I look forward to being part of this upcoming Veterans Appreciation breakfast and pay tribute to those who have served our Nation proudly. Through each of our challenges, the members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard have protected our country and liberated millions of people around the world from the threats of tyranny and terror. Our proud veterans have helped to shape the American character. They have given us an extraordinary legacy of patriotism and honor, and their service represents the highest form of citizenship."

Established in 1834, St. John's Episcopal Church, known as the "Church of the Generals", has been a house of worship for officers who led American forces in every conflict since the Mexican War. Among those who attended services here were General Robert E. Lee, a Vestryman from 1842 to 1844 and General Thomas J. (Stonewall) Jackson, who was baptized here in 1849. Its relationship with Fort Hamilton Army Base and the surrounding service community has been a long and providential one.

"This event, while a small gesture of thanks to our local veterans, serves more importantly as a reminder to all Americans that the precious freedom and security we enjoy today came with sacrifice and cost" explains Andrew Windsor, Warden of St. John’s and President of BRRG, "and that the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces that have and still now defend those freedoms need to be continually recognized and thanked." Howard Dunn of the American Legion Amity Post No. 791 added that this 2nd annual event "provides an opportunity for our veterans to be thanked and remembered for their service to our country. For this, the veterans of our community are thankful to the sponsors of the breakfast."

For more details about this event, or if you would like to participate, please contact St. John’s Episcopal Church at (718) 745-2377.