More than 1,100 meals were served at Friday’s fourth annual Military Appreciation Picnic, providing a tangible “thank you” for area servicemen and women.

“This community is unique, the most unique community, I believe, in the country,” said Whidbey Island Naval Air Station Capt. Syd Abernethy. “It welcomes the Navy with such open arms.”

Hosted by the City of Oak Harbor, the Greater Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce and Oak Harbor Navy League, the event provided a venue in which sailors and community members could share food and fellowship.

“We think it’s a great opportunity to tell all the sailors that we’re behind them,” said Larry Munns, past Navy League president. “C’mon out and get some food, meet the community. It’s a good deal.”

Roger Anglum, head chef at the Windjammer Park picnic, slaved over a hot grill working his culinary magic with pulled pork and hamburgers. A short distance away, Greg and Linda Wasinger were cooking up hot dogs. The local 7-Eleven franchise owners donate the dogs and buns each year.

“This brings the military folks out,” Greg said. “It’s thanking the military and their families that make the sacrifices.”

Oak Harbor City Councilman Jim Campbell did his own recruiting the day of the picnic, enlightening sailors who had not heard about the free meal. He met a group of Navy servicemen earlier that morning and watched their faces glow when they heard the news.

“When I told them about it, their eyes just lit up and they got great big grins on their faces,” said Campbell, who also drew a young military couple to the event as it was kicking off.

An ex-Navy man himself with a son in the Air Force, the city councilmen understands the importance of holding an annual event like the picnic.

“As an old sailor, if people had done this when I was around, I would have never left the town,” he said.

The event embodies the spirit of Oak Harbor and its proactive approach to keeping communication lines open with its military neighbor.

“This is a great event that really showcases the best of Oak Harbor,” said Jill Johnson, Greater Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce executive director. “I love seeing all the families out together and interacting with the local community and business leaders. It was definitely one of those moments that reminds one why Oak Harbor is such a special town and a great place to call home.”

Capt. Abernethy concurred, calling the community part of Team Whidbey.

“This is my first time being stationed in this area and I’ve never seen such a warm and welcoming community,” he said. “They’re so supportive. This is the community saying that they appreciate us, but it’s also a chance for us to interact with the community. It’s so important for us to continue the great relationship we have in all of the areas where we touch one another.”

This year’s picnic was packed with activities for children, including “bouncy-houses,” a climbing wall, and a special appearance by Jus Wally the Clown.

Adults were also well provided for, enjoying a live Seattle band and crashing on the grass with their kids for a free showing of the Walt Disney film “Ice Age.”

“The band was great,” Johnson said. “They hit all the right notes and helped keep the event lively and entertaining right to the end. Of course, the real treat was Les Schwab’s sponsorship of the Comcast Outdoor Cinema. Sitting outside in the park, eating popcorn and watching a movie under the stars was a truly memorable experience.”

The value of holding the annual picnic cannot be overstated. Abernethy reemphasized the uniqueness of the symbiotic relationship on Whidbey Island.

“It’s important for us to come out and say to the community, ‘We’re glad you’re glad we’re here,’” the captain said. “I think that makes this relationship we have with this community unique and one that we value and treasure.”