Veterans invited to enjoy the zoo
It's a great opportunity for veterans who served in Afghanistan and Iraq to visit the Rosamond Gifford Zoo with their families. As part of Operation Salute, the zoo will be only open to veterans and their families Thursday on Flag Day between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Our Brad Vivacqua reports.
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ONONDAGA COUNTY, N.Y. -- This event is being hosted by the Syracuse VA Medical Center to thank veterans for their service to our country. Thursday night, any veteran who served in Afghanistan or Iraq is invited, along with their families, to enjoy a night of fun at the zoo.
The event is free and several animal greeters and zoo staff members will provide demonstrations and information on the animals. There will also be information available to veterans to help them with healthcare and community services available to them.
Felica Plunkett is a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom and attended last year's event with her children. She plans to visit again and says she's thankful for the opportunity.
"It's a terrific opportunity for the family to come out, or if you're a veteran to come on out. It's their way of saying thank you. It's the community's way of saying thank you and showing their support to us. It's a great thing for me and my family to come to," said Plunkett.
VA officials say the main goal of this event is to provide a relaxed atmosphere for veterans and their families. Last year, about 500 veterans and their family members attended.