Patriotic Festival brings together the military community

NORFOLK — Before country star Sam Hunt took the stage Saturday night, Scope Arena filled with Patriotic Festival-goers decked out in cowboy hats and boots and in red, white and blue.

Companies and organizations dedicated to supporting veterans and service members set up booths for the country music festival Memorial Day weekend, including Crown Royal’s Purple Bag Project.

Festival-goers filled bags with toothbrushes, gum, lip balm and more, along with a personal note to be sent to a service member overseas.

Retired Army Col. Bob Clinebell filled a bag and wrote, “Thank you for your service,” — the same thing he has heard many times over the years.

He said the weekend is not just for veterans like him.

“It’s not about us,” Clinebell said. “It’s about those who have given their lives.”

This was the second year the Patriotic Festival was held in Norfolk. Before the country star-studded line-up each night, the free “tailgating area” opened to the community to check out the different patriotic accessories and services available.

VFW members also were there to share about their mission.

Companions for Heroes is a nonprofit that connects service members and rescue animals to service dog training. The result is “saving two lives,” Development Director Regina Wages said.

People who filled bags at with the Purple Bag Project left knowing they had shown their appreciation for the men and women who serve abroad.

Samuel Johnson, a Virginia Beach resident, said the goal is to “put a smile on their face, even just five minutes.”

Representatives from the various military branches attended, along with local businesses, bringing “a very patriotic” community together, said Ira Agricola, the Patriotic Festival president.

Hampton Roads is home to 15 military installations, including Naval Station Norfolk, the world’s largest naval base, and thousands of military personnel.

The weekend festival was a chance to get the “military and community to come together.”

“I hope people feel a little more patriotic,” retired chief petty officer Kathy Goodall said, adding she also hopes people “feel a little more appreciative of the freedoms they have.”

The festival has been going for nearly 20 years, though it did not take place in 2020 and ′21 due to the pandemic. Previously, it had been held at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront.

In the past, headliners included Luke Combs, Darius Rucker, Old Dominion and more.

Country stars Walker Hayes, Sam Hunt and Cody Johnson performed Friday, Saturday and Sunday, respectively.

Kelsey Kendall, kelsey.kendall@virginiamedia.com