PASADENA, Calif.—The stars were out at the Pasadena Civic auditorium last Saturday as they joined a choir of voices giving thanks to the servicemen and women of our country at the Freedom Concert.
Artists Montell Jordan, Sheila E., and Molly Ringwald were among the celebrities and politicians at the event.
Event sponsors S. Robert and Denise Zeilstra created the concert as an opportunity to thank the men and women of the armed services along with police and fire departments for their commitment and dedication to protecting the country and local communities.
Ms. Zeilstra walked the Red Carpet arm in arm with her husband, beaming before the event. She said, “It is very exciting for us. This is something that is really due because the people tonight who are going to be honored deserve this. Tonight is not about us; tonight is about them. We want to say, ‘thank you.’”
The dinner and concert was free for any veteran or active service person and their family. Among the hundreds of service people enjoying the event was Mr. Kaskowitz and his wife Cathy.
“I feel honored,” said Mr. Kaskowitz, who spent over 35 years in the military; his work included serving as the command sergeant major for a two-star general. His wife served seven years in the U.S. Coast Guard and was the first woman since World War II to join the U.S. Coast Guard.
Mr. Kaskowitz’s message to servicemen and women abroad: “I Support you 150%. You’re always in our prayers. We love you with all our hearts and we ask God to protect you and don’t forget what the mission is all about—the United States. We support you. We love you—hua!
“We have a lot of people here who deserve recognition who, in one way or another, whether they be firemen or policemen. It’s all for making our country as great as it is, and for our freedom. Freedom isn’t free. People die for our freedom. Firemen, policemen, servicemen of all the branches put their lives on the line every day, and most people don’t think about it. I thank them,” Mr. Kaskowitz said. He also mentioned the wives, loved ones and other family members of the servicemen who support them. “Without them [family], I wouldn’t be here today. They deserve equal recognition.”
Host for the evening, actor Kevin Kilner, had similar sentiments. “I’m thrilled. I have so many members of my family in the armed services; it’s a great way to say ‘thank you’ to the police and firemen that put themselves on the line. I’m really thrilled to be here, deeply honored,” he said.
Mr. Kilner noted the strong family atmosphere at the event: “I’ve never been a part of a concert where they said, ‘Well, bring the kids. Bring the entire family.’ It’s just really incredible that they’re doing this. It’s an incredibly generous act on the part of the Zeilstra’s.”
Montell Jordan, famed R&B singer and songwriter, crossed the Red Carpet with his wife. He said, “Without question, I’ve been for many years an advocate for our troops wherever they are in the world. I’m very fortunate, very blessed, in my line of work where I’m able to travel all over the world.” He has been to Qatar and other places with U.S. bases to perform for military servicemen and women. “Tonight is an extension of that at home,” he added.
Congressman Adam Schiff also attended the Freedom Concert and expressed his gratitude for all in the military services. “We are tremendously in your debt,” he said. He added, “I had a chance just yesterday to sit down with Secretary General Shinseki to talk about our returning veterans and trying to improve the quality of care and service we can provide those who come home. On this occasion I want to send out my profound thanks for all you’re doing. We look forward to welcoming you home.”
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