Oct. 31, 2023 By Bill Parry
With Veterans Day approaching on Saturday, Nov. 11, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards is inviting all military veterans across Queens County to a celebration honoring the sacrifices of those that have served the United States of America in uniform.
The celebration will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 8 in the Helen Marshall Cultural Center at Queens Borough Hall.
“Queens is proud to be home to nearly 42,000 military veterans — more than any other borough,” Richards said. “We are having this celebration to express our appreciation for all that our veterans have done to protect our way of life.”
The featured entertainment will be provided by three members of America’s Sweethearts, an all-female vocal group specializing in the close, intricate harmonies reminiscent of The Andrews Sisters and other performers from the 1940s and 50s. With their slogan of “History through Harmony,” and a repertoire that spans many decades, the group’s performance will take veterans and other guests on an inspirational, joyful, and patriotic trip down memory lane, according to the BP’s office.
The celebration will also include an appearance and dance performance by Miss New York 2023 Amelia Collins, who will be representing New York state at the Miss America pageant in January 2024.
“We would not enjoy the freedom and security we have today without the heroism and sacrifice of those who have served our nation in uniform,” Richards said. “So I greatly look forward to celebrating the service of these brave men and women on Nov. 8.”
Food for the celebration is being generously donated by Apple-Metro, Inc. The company is the New York metro area’s Applebee’s franchisee and operates all Applebee’s restaurants in New York City and Westchester County. Additional support for the event has been provided by the Queens Economic Development Corporation and the Queens County Women’s Bar Association. Veterans who wish to attend the celebration are asked to RSVP at queensbp.org/RSVP.