In recognition of those who commit their lives to saving and protecting others, Operation Bugle Boy will serve all local first responders and their families a free chicken dinner Sept. 10.
"Patriot Sunday is the first of many celebrations that recognize first responders in the local community," Operation Bugle Boy President Chris Jarboe said. "We always promote maintaining relationships with veterans, so we want to ensure we do the same for our firefighters, law enforcement and emergency medical responders."
OBB is a nonprofit honoring current soldiers, veterans and first responders and continues to find innovative ways to support local heroes.
Patriot Sunday will be the first event of its kind celebrating the efforts of active first responders in the Jefferson City area.
Up to 500 first responders are encouraged to pick up their tickets at Legends Bank, 130 E. McCarty St., by Sept. 8. The event will be 4-7 p.m. at American Legion Post 5, 1423 Tanner Bridge Road.
Sponsors like David and Peggy Beamer, who donated $160 representing the 16 years since their son died on United Flight 93 during the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, have helped OBB to provide the free dinner and other keepsakes.
During the event, the first 200 attendees will receive gift bags with a copy of the "Patriots Day" movie starring Mark Walhberg, crochet crosses made by students at Calvary Lutheran, gift cards and more.
They will also receive raffle tickets to win a handmade quilt from the Quilts of Valor nonprofit and a pie made by local baker Mary Ann Boillot.
With Sept. 11 serving as a period of reflection, Jarboe said it is a time to recognize the real heroes.
"Sept. 11 caused many of us to wake up and realize we live in a dangerous world and to start thinking about what we can do to help those people who are putting their lives on the line for us across the nation," Jarboe said. "It's time for our country to focus on who our heroes are - it's not Justin Bieber or Brad Pitt. It's our first responders."
For more information about ticket pickup locations, contact Jarboe at 573-896-8857.