Tim Baker/Herald

cated to supporting charitable organizations focused on veterans’ well-being.

Inspired by his father’s legacy, Mitchell Kraeling established an organization named Freeport for Veterans, which is committed to helping local veterans in a variety of ways. Its board of directors comprises Kraeling, Ben Jackson, Susan Lyons, Bill Murphy, Jennifer Jerome and John Hrvatian.

The clambake, at which hundreds enjoyed clams, clam chowder, hot dogs, chicken and beer, raised around $10,000 for local veterans’ groups.

“All the money is going to veterans,” Jackson, the Free - port Chamber of Commerce said. “Everything was donated, so every penny will go to them. We started this organization Freeport for Veterans because we’re honoring Horst Kraeling, who used to do this event many years ago. This country wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for veterans. You know, these guys put their lives on the line for our country. And they deserve to be recognized — they deserve to be given back. There are a lot of veterans who are suffering for many reasons. They need the appreciation. That’s the way we looked at it.”

Dan Rosato, a Marine Corps veteran who volunteered at the event, shared his sentiments about Kraeling.

“The guy was just an amazing human being,” Rosato said. “It’s just amazing. I mean, we should all learn from him. He loved American freedom, and that’s what this is all about. Everyone is supposed to have freedom rights in this country. He came here and he served his country proud for decades. Then he got sick and passed away. But he set a precedent for us, and we will always carry on. I mean, this event is what he was about. It was about community freedom and the whole American dream.”

Expressing his gratitude for the meticulously orchestrated

The 48th iteration of the Great Freeport Canoe Race witnessed a departure from tradition, finding its new home for a second year at the scenic Cow MeadConTinued on paGe 6 ConTinued on paGe 19