Assemblyman Ed Ra (R-Franklin Square) will host his free barbecue dinner to honor local veterans. The annual event will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. on Thursday, August 13 at VFW Post 2718 in Franklin Square.

“Every year, I look forward to this very special opportunity to bring together many of our local heroes and thank them for their service,” said Ra. “Hosting this barbecue is a small token of my appreciation for the many brave men and women who have made great sacrifices for our country. Often, we commemorate those we have lost, but this gives us a chance to honor and celebrate those who are still here with us.”

The Nassau County Veterans’ Service Agency will participate in the event for the first time this year. Veterans will have the opportunity to discuss or seek counseling on any issues they may be facing.

Additionally, representatives of County Clerk Maureen O'Connell's Veterans Recognition Program will be joining the event for the second year. Veterans interested in receiving program benefits must bring their discharge papers or their DD214 to the barbecue. Upon presenting these papers they will receive an ID card, a discount card, and will be eligible to keep a copy of their discharge papers/DD214 form on file in the county clerk's office. The copies filed with the clerk’s office will be considered legitimate documentation in the event that the original is lost.

“We have continued to build support from many organizations and volunteers in the community, and I thank them all for making the event possible. I hope that many of our community’s honorable servicemen and women join us in this year’s celebration,” Ra concluded.

Veterans and one guest are invited to attend the free event that will be held at the Franklin Square VFW at 68 Lincoln Road, off of Hempstead Turnpike. Reservations are necessary and can be made by calling Ra’s district office at 516-535-4095.