JACKSONVILLE, Texas (KLTV) – Veterans, children, and families gathered at VFW Post 3984 in Jacksonville on Saturday for a five-hour Family Fun Day marking America\u2019s 250th birthday.<\/p>\n
The event featured water slides, food, and games, all provided by the post.<\/p>\n
Robert Jester, a retired Army first sergeant with 20 years of service and the post\u2019s newly elected commander, said the event reflected the organization\u2019s core mission.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn the end the VFW is a community-based organization and the community starts with family and the children,\u201d Jester said.<\/p>\n
Attendee Stephanie Taylor came with her family. Her father is a Korean War veteran.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe had a lot of veterans that were out there and we\u2019ve lost a lot of them that have fought for us to keep our freedom,\u201d Taylor said.<\/p>\n
Maresa Randall, auxiliary president at Post 3984, said the milestone birthday centered on those who served.<\/p>\n
\u201cWithout them, we wouldn\u2019t have the freedoms that we have today. And uh, and I applaud them and I applaud 250 more years of uh, service from willing individuals to continue our freedom,\u201d Randall said.<\/p>\n
The VFW plans to host more family-friendly events throughout the year. <\/p>\n