Press release from People for People Foundation
On Saturday, Sept. 8, the 34th Annual Vets Picnic will be held at the Gloucester County 4H Fairgrounds in Mullica Hill starting at noon. The event will take place rain or shine. There will be free food, drinks, entertainment, informational tables and much more. All veterans are welcome and it is open to the public.
The Annual Vets Picnic originated on June 6, 1984 by Paul and Bernadette Blackstock in honor of JP Blackstock, Paul’s father. JP Blackstock, a WWII veteran, heroically stormed the beaches of Normandy on D-Day — June 6, 1944.
An invitation went out to all D-Day veterans throughout the Delaware Valley and South Jersey requesting them to report to Washington Park at 8th and Walnut to partake in the laying of a wreath honoring those lost at Normandy.
Only a few hundred veterans were expected to show up at the event but thousands showed up and closed down most of Center City Philadelphia that day. Due to enormous response, the picnic was later moved to the Navy Yard in Philadelphia, then to Fort Dix.
In 1991, the picnic was relocated to the Blackstock’s farm and eventually found its home at 4H Fairgrounds in Mullica Hill where it has been held for the past 17 years.
As the honorable D-Day veterans are slowly passing, the Blackstocks and the picnic committee have opened the picnic up to all veterans from all eras, their families and the public as a way to honor all those who have served.
Bernadette Blackstock states, “If you just want to come and thank a veteran for their service and enjoy a free event with hot dogs and hamburgers, pulled pork and great entertainment, you are welcome to do so. We invite all veterans, their family and their friends to join us.”
The Annual Veteran’s Picnic is completely sponsored through donations and the generosity of the 4H Fair Association, Roundtree Farms, the Harrison House, Duffield Farms, Mission BBQ, Glassboro, Greg Armstrong, Michael Jones, Danielle Spence and many others.
For information please call (856) 579–7561 or visit us on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/Vetspicnic/.
