BY RANDA GRIFFIN
Former Wellington Mayor Tom Wenham has devoted his life to serving his country and his community, and on Thursday, June 29, he will be honored for his years of service at the Wellington Amphitheater. The evening will feature a free concert by the Air National Guard Band of the South.
Cultural Programs & Facilities Manager Joe Piconcelli said he asked Wenham to join in the ceremony because of the huge impact he has had on the community.
“He’s a veteran, he has been here a long time, and he has dedicated a lot of time and effort to the community,” Piconcelli said. “We want to recognize his military service and his public service to the Village of Wellington.”
Wenham served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, where he spent five years in active duty.
In the 36 years that he has lived in Wellington with his wife Regis, Wenham has focused on devoting his time to public service.
A member of the Acme Improvement District Board of Supervisors, Wellington’s pre-incorporation government, he was elected to the inaugural Wellington Village Council in 1996. After serving several years as the village’s council-appointed mayor, Wenham become Wellington’s first directly elected mayor in 2003. He still holds the record as the community’s longest-serving mayor.
Today, Wenham holds positions on the Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue Advisory Board, Wellington Regional Medical Center’s Board of Governors, Wellington’s Architectural Review Board and as chairman of the Wellington Community Foundation. He remains active in village government, and for the past several years has sponsored local basketball and softball teams.
“I’m honored I was asked. I’m honored to be able to be there and be a part of it and see the Air National Guard Band,” Wenham said.
The evening will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a performance by the renowned Air National Guard Band of the South. The band will feature an orchestra of more than 40 musicians and performances by the group’s jazz and rock bands.
The Air National Guard Band of the South performs throughout the southern states to support local military events and to bring the message of the Air Force to the public.
“The band comes, and they bring all their own equipment and set up, so it’s a pretty big production. This isn’t a small group,” Piconcelli said.
After the band’s performance, around 9 p.m., there will be a flag ceremony where Wenham will be presented with the American flag and recognized for his years of military service.
“I fought for our flag, so I’m pleased to accept it,” Wenham said.
The event is free and more than 20 food trucks will be there throughout the evening. “The key to events like this is to bring the community together,” Piconcelli said. “It lets people socialize and meet their neighbors, because music is a common denominator for everyone.”
He encourages everyone to get there early to find a good seat, and to bring blankets or chairs for seating.
“Come out, bring your blankets or chairs, eat some dinner with us and show your support,” Piconcelli said.
For more information, call Piconcelli at (561) 791-4756 or visit www.wellingtonfl.gov.
