(1/17) Patriot Point in historic Gettysburg, Pennsylvania has created a Wall of Honor for the framed photographs of the men and women presently serving in the United States military. Collection bins have also been installed for the donation of various items to boost morale of the troops in Iraq and thank them for their service. Patriot Point is located at 241 Steinwehr Avenue and can be reached at 717-337-0080.

Conceived by Ken Zumbrun, Patriot Point’s Sutler Store and Director of Operations for the Patriot Point Theatre, Zumbrun says: "It’s the very least we can do…to have a place of honor to display photographs of those who are serving in our nation’s armed forces…while the rest of us basically go on with our lives as usual. We cannot for a moment forget what these folks are sacrificing."

Family and friends of the men and women of the United States military are encouraged to contribute framed photos (no larger than 4’X6’) to be displayed on Patriot Point’s Wall of Honor.

In addition, Gettysburg resident Sue Warren, mother of Charles Warren, 23, presently serving in Iraq, is spearheading the area’s Give To the Troops effort with her daughter, Melissa Gumm, also an employee of the Sutler Store at Patriot Point.

"This is NOT a one-time project," encourages Mrs. Warren. "It is ongoing throughout 2005…so we hope people will think of it every time they shop. It’s a perfect project for civic, school and church groups!"

While donations of cash are welcome, especially for shipping and packaging costs, Mrs. Warren says the list of items presently being collected at Patriot Point includes:

• Granola and fruit bars;
• Beef jerky/Slim Jims;
• Dried fruit and boxed raisins;
• Pre-packaged crackers and cheese and tuna salad with crackers;
• Salted pumpkin and sunflower seeds;
• Individually boxed drinks: 100% apple juice and Gatorade;
• Magazines (sports, fishing, hunting, cars, etc.) and paperback books;
• Electronic gadgets or games;
• Mini-board games (travel size) like UNO, checkers, chess, Othello;
• Portable CD players;
• Music CDs and DVDs (new and used);
• Xbox and PS2 Games (new and used);
• Handi-Wipes;
• White and black cotton and black wool socks; and
• Generic sunglasses.

According to Mr. Zumbrun, Andi Grant, the wife of a Marine Reservist whose unit received its deployment orders for Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2002, started the non-profit group Give To the Troops. What was originally a personal project to increase the morale of the other members of her husband’s troop has evolved into an ongoing nationwide effort.

Zumbrun adds: "Gettysburg, Pennsylvania is a perfect spot for these projects. Along with its unique place in United States military history, millions of patriotic visitors make Gettysburg a destination every year."