Veterans, military families, and community members are invited to Gettysburg Recreation Park on Saturday for Operation Honor: Rural Salute PA, a free event designed to connect rural veterans with services, support, and one another.
The family-friendly event will be held from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Gettysburg Area Recreation Authority’s Rec Park as part of Operation Honor: Rural Salute’s 2026 East Coast Tour.
Founded by Michelle and Chris Lang, Operation Honor: Rural Salute is a nonprofit organization focused on helping veterans in rural and small-town communities access critical local and national resources, mental health care and peer support.
The event is intended to be more than a traditional resource fair, offering a relaxed atmosphere where veterans, their families and local residents can spend the day together while learning about available services.
The event will feature craft vendors and small businesses from throughout the region, food trucks, live music, children’s activities and opportunities to connect with fellow veterans and community members.
Veterans will also have access to on-site support, including assistance with health care navigation, benefits enrollment, mental health resources and other services.
Saturday’s event is open to veterans from every military branch and era, along with military spouses, caregivers, local organizations, businesses and anyone who wants to support those who have served.
The nonprofit was created to address challenges often faced by rural veterans, including long travel distances for medical care, limited access to services and the feeling of being overlooked. By bringing resources directly into local communities, organizers hope to make it easier for veterans and their families to receive assistance in a familiar, welcoming setting.
Admission is free, and the public is encouraged to attend, shop with local vendors, enjoy food and entertainment, and learn more about organizations serving the veteran community.
Source: Operation Honor: Rural Salute