Jamestown Patriotic Council Hosts Chicken Luncheon to Benefit Honor Flight

Vietnam-era veterans were the guests of honor Sunday at the All Vets Club on 1st Street East, where the Jamestown Patriotic Council drew community members to a "Chicken and fixins" freewill luncheon benefiting the North Dakota-Minnesota Honor Flight program.

The noon fundraiser at 116 1st Street East doubled as a tribute to area veterans marking the end of the Vietnam War in 1975, with proceeds going to Honor Flight, which covers the cost of sending veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit memorials dedicated to their service. Family bingo and raffles followed the meal before the All Vets Club closed for the day.

The Jamestown Patriotic Council, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that traces its origins to the 1960s, draws membership from eight organizations: American Legion Post #14, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #760, Disabled American Veterans Chapter #31, American Legion Auxiliary Unit #14, VFW Auxiliary Post #760, Vietnam Veterans, the 20th Infantry Regiment of Fort Seward, Dakota Territory, and the Jamestown Drum and Bugle Corps.

Barnes, a council representative, said the nonprofit's obligations run directly back to the community it serves. "Being that we're a nonprofit, we do have to give our money back to (the) community in certain ways. We're happily doing that," he said.

Haag, another council representative, described the council's mission in plain terms: "We are a group that consists of leaders in all the patriotic organizations here in Jamestown, and we get together, and we promote and foster patriotism."

Sunday's luncheon fits within a broader calendar of council-run events that includes the annual Memorial Day program, the Veterans Picnic in August, and past fundraisers for Service Dogs for America. The council's Patriot Day program is expected to move to The Arts Center due to increased attendance, and the group plans to march in the Buffalo Days Parade in July.

The freewill format meant no set admission price; attendees chose how much to contribute. The council can be reached through the All Vets Club at 701-252-8994.