In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence, the Freedom 250 event at the Canandaigua VA Medical Center on Wednesday did not disappoint — and attendees didn’t let the rain stop them, with more than 300 people showing up.

Among them was our own Luke Moody, Ontario Cares Veterans Coalition program coordinator, who spent the day helping serve food and pitching in with clean-up. Open to all Veterans and families in the Finger Lakes, the event gave attendees a chance to play family-friendly games, share a meal, and connect with one another.

The Veteran band The Defenders performed as part of the VA’s music therapy program, while the Monroe County Nature Therapy Program brought along mini horses for the crowd to enjoy. The event also gave area Veteran-serving organizations and VA programs a chance to connect with the community and share what they offer.

Rain or shine, the turnout was a reminder of the power of connection.