Thousands Walk for the Wounded in Rose Tree Park

It seems each day on the news, there are reports of American military men and women being killed or injured in attacks overseas. Sometimes, the tragic stories get lost among other headlines, but that was not the case on a very special day at .

Thousands of people came out on May 21 for the 4th Walk for the Wounded, presented by Operation First Response (OFR). OFR’s mission is support our nation’s wounded warriors and their families with personal and financial needs, from the onset of injury, to their reestablishment into the civilian world.

”We are learning from the past, and recognizing those that are willing to stand up for our freedom, and we want them to know we are welcome home,” says Jerry Klein of A Hero’s Welcome. 

In just three years, OFR was able to raise an estimated $400,000. 

Participants were able to meet and mingle with the many active military and veterans, who walked in support of the wounded soldiers.

Prior to the two mile walk, NBC 10’s Tracy Davidson emceed a special ceremony full of pomp and circumstance, including an emotional introduction and tribute to several wounded warriors from the Delaware County area.

U.S. Representative Pat Meehan was out to personally thank our soldiers for their hard work and bravery in protecting us.

“Every year this event gets bigger and better. I want to say thank you to all of the men and women who have served and currently serve our country and to their families,” says the Congressman.

There were dozens of organizations represented at the Walk for the Wounded, including each of the armed forces, demonstrations and vehicles. There were also numerous veterans groups, like the Media-based Pennsylvania Veterans Museum.

State Representative Steve Barrar, who served in the Vietnam War for the U.S. Navy, and who is active with the museum, has made it a personal mission to honor our veterans.

“It is all about those who have protected our freedom for the past couple of centuries and local veterans who have dedicated themselves to fighting for us around the world. We are currently asking for Vietnam veterans to donate any items that might have for the museum,” says Barrar.

Barrar asks anyone willing to donate, please visit the museum’s website.

The crowd was also treated to entertainment by rock singer Ava Aston, and an appearance by America’s favorite mascot, the Phillie Phanatic. There was also a bounce house, rock, wall and other family-friend activities throughout the park. Even the dogs were out in force.

If you would like to donate to OFR, visit the Walk For the Wounded website here.