Black Hawk helicopter to be part of American Heroes Day in Kiski Township

After a three-year hiatus, the Apollo Salute to the Armed Forces Committee will bring back American Heroes Day this month.

Highlighting the celebrations at Kiski Township Community Field will be the landing of a military Black Hawk helicopter as the event gets under way at 11 a.m.

Emergency vehicles from 75 fire, EMS and law enforcement departments will be featured.

The free event also will include includes tributes, food and other vendors, music, live entertainment and a cornhole contest.

“This is a chance to go out and meet the people who volunteer to protect you,” said Vince Mazzon of Apollo, chairman of the Apollo Salute to the Armed Forces Committee.

“For the kids, it will be an experience to see fire trucks and the Black Hawk helicopter,” he added.

Mazzon said he resurrected the salute committee because of interest from the community. Previously, the committee staged what grew into expensive military celebrations with fireworks on the Fourth of July, according to Mazzon.

“We canceled those celebrations in 2016 because of fundraising difficulties,” he said.

Mazzon said he and the committee are now presenting something smaller, but with greater reach.

“Before, we concentrated on military. But this time, we wanted to include the other American heroes — firefighters, EMS and law enforcement,” he said.

The event also will pay tribute to the 9/11 anniversary.

Apollo Hose Company No. 3 is cosponsoring the festivities.

The event is weather-permitting. Heavy or constant rain would likely result in a cancellation, according to Mazzon.