The 13th annual Vet Fest was held near City Hall on Tuesday, Aug. 5. (Image courtesy of Council Member Kenyatta Johnson, via X.)
On Tuesday, Aug. 5, throughout the afternoon, several gathered at Philadelphia's City Hall to celebrate the city's veterans, along with just some of the resources that serve to protect them locally. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., celebrants congregated in the City Hall's Courtyard at North Broad Street and JFK Boulevard to assist the Philadelphia Office of Veterans' Affairs in hosting its 13th annual Vet Fest.
"It is a citywide celebration honoring the service and strength of Philadelphia's veterans," said Philadelphia Council President Kenyatta Johnson via X.
Council member Jim Harrity agreed, stating "we honor and celebrate Veterans and the organizations making a difference in our communities" on his Facebook page.
With entertainment, food, drinks, vendors, and more, the day's festivities were centered on those that have served the country, making sacrifices to keep the United States safer each and every day.
Employment opportunities, as well as the city's services, were highlighted to draw attention to area resources. Sunny, warm weather allowed the events to take off, despite a rain-or-shine plan already in place.
Sponsors for the day's event included AHARI, PECO, The Philadelphia Police Department, Ocean State Job Lot, the U.S. Department of Veterans' Affairs, the Philadelphia Sheriff's Office, VMC, and the ACES Veterans' Museum.
"With more than 30 vendors and veteran-serving organizations, Vet Fest [offered] everything from employment resources to city services, plus live entertainment, free refreshments and more," said Kenyatta on Instagram.
Image courtesy of Philadelphia Veterans' Affairs and Resources
