Veterans appreciation party

A special salute to all veterans is planned for 7-10 p.m. June 29, on the eve of Rusk's massive July 4th ceremony and parade. Another first for Rusk, the event will include a huge hangar dance with all the trimmings. The event will be free to all veterans and their spouses.

There will be big band music, food, soft drinks and combat re-enactors, amidst a multitude of 20th Century combat vehicles.

Planners say this will be a great opportunity to dance and swap war stories. The party will give the public a chance to thank all these men and women for putting their lives on the line.

To make this the largest "thank you" party that the Vets have ever seen, planners are asking the public to contribute food, water, soft drinks, chairs, tables, balloons and other party items.

The party will be held at Toyland Combat Vehicles Museum in Rusk, from 7-10 p.m. Friday, June 29. To get to the museum go five miles south on U.S. Highway 69, turn right onto FM 241, go one mile and turn left on Country Road 2407. Museum is one mile on the right. Veterans of all wars are invited. This includes World War II, Cold War, Korean, Vietnam, Afghanistan and Iraq. Uniforms are suggested but not required. Some may also want to wear 40's attire. For more information, call Roy Reynolds, event organizer (903) 683-1947.