Veterans-serving organizations to share hope, inspiration and knowledge

If you haven't yet visited Patriot Plaza, you won't want to miss the Legacy Zone at the Celebrate Service and Sacrifice event on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2014, which is part of the Veterans Legacy Summit hosted by The Patterson Foundation. Adding to the event will be for the first time in one space more than two dozen national-level organizations supporting military veterans and their families.

The organizations represent those who have served, are serving or may serve in our nation's armed forces and will share information and provide ideas on how to make a difference in the lives of our military and their families through a national lens highlighting veterans' issues. Ways to use your time, talent and treasure take on new meaning when we realize how many innovative programs and organizations exist to support our warriors from all different eras.

Here's a taste of what to expect at the Legacy Zone:

Save a Warrior - Featured in Soledad O'Brien's documentary "The War Comes Home," this organization provides an innovative approach to breaking the grip of post-traumatic stress.

Homes for Our Troops - This organization provides specially adapted homes (mortgage free) to our nation's most severely injured veterans from the post-9/11 era.

Soldier Songs and Voices - With chapters nationwide (to include one in the Sarasota-Bradenton area),  this organization provides music and songwriting lessons to veterans free of charge and provide them with guitars as vital means of self-expression and psychological healing. You will meet first hand some of these veteran musicians who will be playing at the Legacy Zone on Nov. 15, along with Dustin Welch, a singer songwriter who tours internationally and devotes two days a week to sharing and teaching music to veterans in Austin, Texas.

The Veterans Legacy Summit is free to attend but registration is required. Please visit onlineregistrationcenter.com/veteranslegacysummit for more information. Follow the summit on social media using #VeteransLegacy and @ThePattersonFdn.