Despite rainy weather, the Smyrna Rotary Club of Smyrna, Tennessee, held its 13th annual Wings of Freedom Fish Fry on Sept. 12. According to Daily Journal News, the proceeds from the event were donated to local chapters of the Boys and Girls Club, Habitat for Humanity and Meals on Wheels. With over 1,500 attendees, the Smyrna Rotary Club surpassed its fundraising goals.
"It gets larger every year, we raised $100,000 last year, and this year our goal was $110,000," Mike Waller, head organizer for the Smyrna Rotary Club's annual fish fry, told Daily Journal News. "And the best part of it is, we turn around and give it back to the community."
Since the first Wings of Freedom Fish Fry was held the day after 9/11, the event has always had a patriotic theme. This year's fish fry was focused on Vietnam veterans. April marked the 40th anniversary of the Vietnam War's end, so it was only fitting to honor veterans of that war. The veterans who attended the event told the news source that they felt excluded when they returned from combat, and they were grateful to finally have their service recognized.
The Smyrna Rotary Club plans to hold the Wings of Freedom Fish Fry again next year but has not released a date.