A C-123, Thunder Pig, provides the flyover at the Veteran’s Appreciation Picnic July 20 at Calcutta Square. (Submitted photo)

CALCUTTA – The Veteran’s Appreciation Picnic was held at Calcutta Square July 20. A total of 840 veterans and guests were provided a day of picnic food, music, catching up with old friends and many giveaways to the veterans. Three surviving World War II veterans were also in attendance from the local area.

The flyover of the C-123, Thunder Pig, was the highlight of the event. This type of aircraft was commissioned in 1952 and provided services in the Korean and Vietnam wars. The Thunder Pig was actually flown in Vietnam to transport injured troops or up to 24,000 pounds of cargo. The flyover was provided by retired military pilots from the Heritage Air Museum from Chippewa, Pa. One veteran in attendance was heard saying he flew on the Thunder Pig during his time in Vietnam.

The many volunteers from several area veteran’s groups, the Calcutta Lions Club, Beaver Local Leo Lions, Boy Scouts of American troops 2012 and 2041 of East Liverpool and the Tri State Burial Group helped make the event a success. Because the Veteran’s Appreciation Picnic is non-profit, it continues to be thankful for its many volunteers and truly thankful for the various businesses and clubs that are generous in donations to make this event possible.

Next year’s picnic will be held July 19 at Calcutta Square.