Joseph and Giada Maccariella, junior supporters of the Jefferson County Veterans Association, were among those who gathered at Friendship Park in Smithfield for the group’s annual picnic. The day included 36 veterans and active military personnel, along with their family members. JCVA Adjutant Barry Bardone announced this is the 30th anniversary of the organization’s founding. Veterans of World War II and the Korean War began the JCVA in 1995. Bardone explained Fred McGee, a founding member, was awarded the Silver Star during the Korean War and was finally recognized and awarded the Medal of Honor in January for his “heroic actions above and beyond that of the Silver Star requirement.” The group also commemorated it being the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. During the picnic, a drawing was held for the chance to win three medallions, all observing the end of World War II. There was a medallion depicting the Victory in Europe, one for the Victory in Japan and one showing Americans celebrating on the reverse side of a silver-plated proof Walking Liberty half-dollar. The Tri-State Community Band performed patriotic music, military service anthems and a rendition of the national anthem, led under the direction of Kirk George. The picnic is always free for attendees and held every July. Members of the JCVA thanked the following for their time and talent in making the event a success: Stephanie Pethtel and the staff of A Touch of Elegance, Bridget Long and the staff of Tim Horton’s, the Jefferson County Veterans Service Commission, Jefferson County commissioners, Steubenville Laborer’s Local 809, Woods Food Center in Hopedale, Vince Pastre for providing the sound system and Joe Douglas for being the picnic’s grill master. Appreciation was given to the veterans’ wives, daughters and sons, as well as those who guarded the specialty cake, including: Lynnette Faldowski, Phyllis Santa, Esther McCoy, Cynthia Kaffana, Renee Tarr, Jamie Nale, Iris Bardone, Michael Bardone and Danielle, Giada and Joseph Maccariella.

— Contributed