Elks Theatre Hosts TRIBUTE TO THE TROOPS Weekend

Today, June 29th and the 30th, The Elks Theatre wraps up their celebration of Steven Spielberg films with screenings of SAVING PRIVATE RYAN (1998) and will honor all local veterans and currently serving military during their "Tribute to the Troops" weekend.

The event is hosted by the SAVE THE ELKS! Campaign, the cinema's push for digital projection, is sponsored by Middletown Memorial VFW Post 1620, and is organized by key volunteers Mike Dalton, a board member of the Greater Middletown Economic Development Corporation, and Diana McGlone. On June 29th, the theater will host a free and open to the public World War II exhibit from 5pm to 7:30pm, followed by a ceremony in recognition of past and present local serviceman and servicewomen. SAVING PRIVATE RYAN begins at 8pm on and an encore screening will be on Sunday, June 30th at 2pm. Tickets for the film are $8 and can be purchased at the door or atelksmovies.com

In an effort to revive an old tradition, local former Marine Robert Hauser has donated a Silver Dollar on behalf of the late BoB Smith, Detachment #784, Marine Corps. League. The rare coin will be awarded to a single patron in attendance on June 29th and the winner's ticket will be randomly drawn from the many in attendance that evening.

Veterans, currently serving military, and local veterans' organizations are encouraged to attend, dress in uniform, and interact with the public. Persons or organizations who own World War II memorabilia, clothing, antique weapons, or vehicles who are interested in having their pieces as part of the exhibit are encouraged to contact the SAVE THE ELKS! Campaign by emailing Director of Development Max Einhorn at maxfortheelks@gmail.com. The Elks intends on hosting a Tribute to the Troops weekend annually and is actively seeking sponsorship for future events.

Beginning in October 2012, the Greater Middletown Economic Development Corporation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, embarked on a vital mission to SAVE THE ELKS! from closure due to radical changes in movie technology. After celebrating its 101st anniversary last year, The Elks Theatre represents one of only thousands of small, independently operated movie theaters nationwide threatened by the discontinuation of 35mm exhibition and in vital need of digital projection. All admission sales benefit further programming, renovations, and longevity of theatre operations. Support the Elks Theatre and the GMEDC in their efforts to preserve the most timeless storytelling tradition: Going to the movies.

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