Region 7 secured assistance from the "Honor and Remember of Virginia" organization in signing up local wounded warriors for the event. The City of Virginia Beach was so eager to be involved that they agreed to waive all permit and ramp fees. Donations from organizations and individuals were so overwhelming that Region 7 officials were able to completely pay all costs for the event and then hand the Wounded Warrior Project a check for $5,000.
This indeed was a win-win event for everyone involved. The focus, however, was on our wounded heroes. They started the day by getting paired up with their Region 7 fishing partners, all of whom are local bass anglers and, in many cases, are veterans themselves. Each warrior then was handed a free spinning rod and reel, along with a bag of other goodies. Next came free biscuits, donuts and coffee. Now it was time to go fishing. Once the guests all were seated in their respective state-of-the-art bass boats with their partners, the blast-off began. When the day's fishing was over, everyone returned for weigh-in, followed by presentation of prizes to the honored guests. These prizes consisted of cash for some, while the top three finishers, along with the lunker-award winner, each received trophies. Following the awards presentations, the honorees were treated to a catered picnic.
I realize that one of the most over-used phrases in America is "and a good time was had by all," but that's about the best way to describe this day honoring these great American patriots. Please enjoy my photo collection of the day's festivities which follows.
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