Swampscott eatery donates to VFW

SWAMPSCOTT – Swampscott veterans got a jump start on a star spangled event that is being planned for next year to recognize veterans thanks to one local restauranteur.Swampscott VFW Post 1240 Commander John Sacherski said G Bar & Kitchen, which is located on Humphrey Street, made a $500 donation toward a special celebration being planned for 2011 to honor those who served and are serving in the Middle East.Gregg Brackman, who owns G Bar & Kitchen, said just before Memorial Day he knew he wanted to do something to help those who have served in the armed forces.”I love this country and the people who serve so we can be free,” he said. “There is so much we all take for granted. I don’t ever want to take the people who were willing to lay down their lives so we can have freedom for granted.”Sacherski said he was floored when he received the call from Brackman.”I was amazed – just absolutely amazed,” he said. “This young man called me out of the blue. He is a big lover of this country and of veterans. It’s wonderful.”Brackman said he received more than he gave.”God speaks to all of us in different ways and the day I gave the donation to the VFW he spoke to me,” he said. “When John (Sacherski) walked out he had tears in his eyes. The little bit that I was able to do meant more than I ever thought it could.”Sacherski explained the VFW and other area veterans organizations are planning a celebration for Flag Day 2011 to pay tribute to those who served and are currently serving in the Middle East.”We’re going to have a huge parade and other events,” Sacherski said. “It’s going to cost about $30,000. We’ve been working on this for several years and we need at least another $10,000.”Anyone wishing to make a donation could drop it off at the VFW or mail it to Veterans Appreciation Committee, Swampscott VFW, 8 Pine St., Swampscott, 01907.