Greer's Freedom Blast to Honor Veterans, Service Members June 29

An emotional soldier reminded those gathered inside Greer City Hall for a press conference the importance of saying, "Thank You," to those who serve.

A 13-year native of the Army National Guard, Sgt. Tim Marcus of Greer returned from an 18-month deployment in December 2012. Marcus said he spent nine months overseas in Kuwait and an additional nine months training within the state.

"So many places I visited through my time in the Army, you can't have the freedom we enjoy here," Marcus said. "That's why we do this job. That's why I do this job."

It's military personnel like Marcus, both past and present, that the City of Greer plans to honor June 29 during their annual Freedom Blast at Greer City Park.

U.S. military and veterans will be asked to participate in an Honor Walk during the event to recognize them for their service. The event also will have a flag-raising ceremony, according to Preston Johnson with the Disabled American Veterans Greer Post.

Johnson said bringing all of Greer's veterans together is a way to say "thank you," to help them heal and also to help them to realize that what they have done still matters to those who live in their hometown and that they are not alone, that there are others who may have served with them.

In addition to the military salute, the free event will have food, music and other entertainment.

City Administrator announced that musical guests for the event will be The Swingin' Medallions from Greenwood.

The Swingin' Medallions known for their hit song, "Double Shot," which reached No. 17 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, has a high-energy show that has earned them recognition as the "Party Band of the South."

Guests also can participate in a pie-eating contest. And contestants from Greer Idol and Greer Idol Teen will perform.

Other activities include a kids zone with free crafts and activities. For $5, children can enjoy nine inflatables for an unlimited amount of fun. A 15-minute fireworks show by Zambelli Fireworks Company will conclude the event.

Freedom Blast will begin at 6 p.m.

During Tuesday's press conference, Mayor Rick Danner also issued a proclamation marking May 28 as Military Spouses & Families Day for their sacrifices and support of the United States Armed Services.

“There is one group that we have overlooked at Freedom Blast – a group that is too often overlooked, and we would like to correct that right now,” Danner said as he asked Marcus' wife, Tiffany, to accept the proclamation on behalf of all military spouses and families.