Soldiers recently back from Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom will be honored at a July 10 program in downtown Rapid City.

The special tribute to the military servicemen, veterans and their families will feature entertainment by Night Wing-Heartland of America Band from Offutt Air Force Base. The event also includes food vendors, children's activities and a display of artwork by local veterans.

The "Home, Not Forgotten … Saluting Our Nation's Heroes" program is part of the Summer Nights series of Thursday evening festivals. The events are on Seventh Street, between Main and St. Joseph streets.

The VA Black Hills Health Care System, operating the Fort Meade and Hot Springs veterans facilities, is co-sponsoring the program with other community organizations.

"It is our hope that active-duty military service members and veterans from all eras will join us, and we hope the general public will join us as we recognize these true American Heroes," spokeswoman Lori Vosika said.

The City View Trolley will provide free transportation to and from the event a half-hour before and after the program. People are asked to park at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center overflow parking lot on the corner of Fifth and New York streets, and the trolley will pick you up.

For more information about the event contact Lori Vosika, at 745-2000, Ext. 2176.