Festival says 'thank you' to military

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) - A celebration was held at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront Friday night to thank those who have died fighting to protect our freedom, and for those who continue to serve.

The United Service Organizations' (USO) 2010 Patriotic Festival recognizes not only what the military does for this area, but for the rest of the world as well.

"The largest concentration of military in the word is in Hampton Roads," said Bruce LaLonde from the USO. "We are taking time to say thanks."

Many festival goers wore red, white and blue to show their support.

"I don't do it for the glory," said U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Stephen Moses. "I do it, because I feel like it's right and I really do enjoy it."

Service members say this three-day event is special in so many ways.

"It's pretty touching to all the servicemen," said Marine Corps Major Tim Bairstow. "The way this community supports us in the military is fairly overwhelming."

"It just feels really great to know that people care and that people take the time out to schedule this," Moses added.

And though an event like this is more about appreciation, it's also fun at the same time.

"Seeing something like this really pushes it home," Bairstow said. "The folks are behind us."