The first Freedom Rocks Fest is planned as a celebration of freedom and the veterans who have helped provide those freedoms— and organizer Lois Fritz hopes the community will join her and others working on the festival in that celebration at New Freedom Farm in Buchanan on Saturday, April 7.

She expects visitors will enjoy “an overload of music, patriotism and fun, all focused on saving lives.”

Freedom Rocks Fest is focused on awareness for the 22 veterans per day, on average, who are committing suicide.

The Freedom Rocks Fest will run from 12 noon to 7 p.m. with musical performances by local artists and a special musical performance by country music artist Rockie Lynne.

Admission is a $10 donation with children admitted free, and Vietnam veterans admitted free.

“No matter what hardships we endure, we are strong enough to handle them and they help us to become not only stronger, but more compassionate,” said Lois Fritz, founder of New Freedom Farm and the organizer of Freedom Rocks Fest.

“My life as I knew it changed forever in 2009 when someone I knew and loved committed suicide. He was a United States Marine who suffered with the disease of addiction and was a hurting soul. Each and every day we must try to make a difference in our veterans’ lives— that’s ultimately what Freedom Rocks Fest is all about,” she continued.

Fritz founded New Freedom Farm in 2016. The former forensic nurse from New Jersey settled in Buchanan with her husband and created the farm out of her personal understanding of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and her firsthand experiences of relief found through time spent in the midst of her horses.

Her personal journey now focuses on stemming the tide of suicides among veterans and U.S. service members. “The suicide rate among our veterans is at epidemic proportions and the pain they leave behind with the people that love them is real,” Fritz said. “Freedom Rocks Fest is a fantastic way to bring people together with a common goal of saving lives.”

“New Freedom Farm is doing essential work helping our veterans. Lois’ work is literally saving lives every day,” said Sgt. Artie Mueller, founder and executive director of Rolling Thunder Inc. “The mission of New Freedom Farm fits perfectly with our mission to aid all veterans in need.”

Rockie Lynne, a native of Statesville, N.C., is the headliner for the concert. He is well known to country music fans. He has made 14 appearances on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry. Lynne has produced four singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts, and his music has been included in television programs like an Emmy Award-winning program produced by Wisconsin Public Television, CBS “Criminal Minds” episodes and “Fox NFL Sunday” broadcast.

Rolling Thunder Inc. members from chapters across the country are expected to arrive at New Freedom Farm in support of Freedom Rocks Fest.

Freedom Rocks Fest will feature a special patriotic opening ceremony for Gold Star Parents, POWs, and with a Missing Man Table presentation.

Over 50 vendors will provide food, fun, information and awareness.

An F-4 Phantom jet from the Vietnam era will be on display, along with other military vehicles from the Roanoke Military Vehicle Club.

There will be Ride of Pride Patriot decorated freightliners from North Carolina, and The Shriners’ Tramps and Pirates will be making a special appearance.

During the event, there will have a special tribute to Vietnam veterans.

“The event is rain or shine, just like our troops endure every day,” Fritz said.

New Freedom Farm is home to 19 equines, including three mares and their foals saved from slaughter, two mustangs from the BLM, mini-horses and mini-donkeys, a hinny and a mule.

Built on faith and determination, New Freedom Farm is dedicated to helping those who have served our country along with their families, Fritz said.

“New Freedom Farm is a safe place for veterans suffering from PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), depression, anxiety, substance abuse and secondary traumas,” Fritz said. The 501(c)3 non-profit organization survives solely off donations and faith. There is never a charge to veterans who wish to visit and all visitors are welcome by appointment.

“New Freedom Farm is a sanctuary. Not only is the farm a place for healing humans, but it is also a place dedicated to providing safe haven for its equine residents,” Fritz continued. “Much like the veterans served by the facility, the horses find shelter at the farm following stress-filled situations— many have been abandoned to an auction circuit that often delivers them to the hands of ‘kill buyers.’

“We believe it is the essence of the horse combined with their journeys to us that makes our program unique. The sensitivity of the horse delivers an honesty and truth for the veteran who is having trouble trusting others,” Fritz explained.

New Freedom Farm is on Lithia Road (Rt. 640) just off US 11 in Buchanan.

For more information, call 540-855-1158 or visit www.newfreedomfarm.net.