Vietnam vets honored at the Shell Factory
For the past three years, the Shell Factory & Nature Park has held an event with Vietnam veterans in mind.
On Sunday, Oct. 13, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., the family attraction will host its third annual Nam Jam event, featuring music, entertainment and a tribute to veterans of all the services.
“We’re really going to focus on the Vietnam vets and all the branches of service. Nam Jam was started for the Vietnam vets, and we want to make sure they know we’re indebted to them and all the branches of the service for what they’ve done,” said Shell Factory general manager Anne Sheridan. “They’ve been forgotten a lot and we don’t want that.”
Admission is free to all attendees, and veterans who present a military ID, will receive free admission to the nature park, a free round of mini golf for four, hot dog and chips, tickets for two draft beers or one well drink and 20 percent off purchases in the retail store.
Additionally, there will be a 50/50 raffle, with half of the proceeds benefitting the Southwest Florida Military Museum in Cape Coral.
Chuck Peterson and Larry will provide entertainment.
A tribute to veterans begins at 2 p.m. and includes a special appearance by a local Vietnam veteran and a pipe and drum corps. Netti will sing the National Anthem and Good Bless America.
The Mariner High School JROTC and Lee County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard will also be there, while offering a little surprise, Sheridan said.
“We anticipate a big crowd and hopefully the weather cooperates. We’re so excited to do this because so many veterans come throughout the year and we just want to say thank you,” Sheridan said.
“This event is so meaningful to the Shell Factory team and the Southwest Florida community,” said Pam Cronin, owner of The Shell Factory & Nature Park, in a statement. “The past three years of hosting the event has afforded us the opportunity to meet veterans throughout the area and honor them for their service. This is an overall rewarding experience and a small way to show our appreciation for their sacrifice and dedication.”
The Shell Factory is at 16554 N. Cleveland Ave. For more information, go to www.shellfactory.com or call 239-995-2141.