On May 2 at Parkland High School’s baseball stadium, a celebration was held to honor the community’s Hometown Heroes.

U.S. Congress declared May be designated National Military Appreciation Month.

That declaration encourages U.S. citizens to observe the month in a symbol of unity, and to honor the current and former members of the U.S. Armed Forces, including those who have died in the pursuit of freedom.

On this afternoon, not only were members of the military honored but, also a salute was paid to local fire, police, and emergency medical services hometown heroes who provide protection every day.

In attendance was retired U.S. Army Maj. Jeffrey Kuklinski.

Kuklinski is an emergency physician at Lehigh Valley Hospital.

He has served tours of duty in both Iraq and Afghanistan where he cared for our injured troops.

He serves as the medical director for Allentown EMS, one of the busiest services in the state of Pennsylvania.

He is a member of the Allentown Police Department’s Emergency Response Team and is the medical director overseeing Tactical EMS providers.

The stadium announcer finished his introduction with the following statement:

“Major Kuklinski’s accomplishments and responsibilities both locally and statewide are far too vast to list here but, I will sum them up with this statement.

“He is the definition of a Hometown Hero.”

Kuklinski received a resounding ovation as he threw out the first pitch to start the game between the Allentown Central Catholic Vikings and the Parkland Trojans.

Free raffles were held for all the attending Hometown Heroes.

Raffle prizes and food for sale were donated by local businesses and the Parkland Baseball Booster Club.

Patriotic music was played throughout the game and the Parkland High School Chorale honored America by singing the National Anthem.

All game proceeds were donated to the Gary Sinise Foundation in the names of U.S. Army Specialists Jesse Reed and Adam Keyes.

The GSF is a charity which benefits both military and first responders who were injured in the line of duty.

To read more about Jesse and Adam, and the Gary Sinise Foundation go to eteamz.com/parklandbaseball/.