Tony Orlando will be in Abilene this Saturday to sing – and shine a light on U.S. military members as part of President Eisenhower’s 124th Birthday Celebration.

A longtime advocate for military veterans, Orlando is also a member of the Dwight D. Eisenhower Foundation board of directors.

Ties that bind

According to Robin Black with the Eisenhower Foundation, Orlando is good friends with Ike’s granddaughter, Mary Jean Eisenhower.

Those ties led to his interest in lending his support to the Presidential Library and Museum. “From the song “Tie a Yellow Ribbon ‘Round the Ole Oak Tree” that ties him to the military community and his friendship with Mary Jean, both led him to embrace the Eisenhower legacy,” she said.

The concert is the concluding event of the activities honoring the 124th birthday of President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

The event also features “On the Air,” a tribute to Bob Hope and Radio Stars of the 1940s, starring Lynn Roberts and featuring Chuck Carson as the NBC Announcer.

Tony Orlando will perform live on October 11th on the grounds. Saturday’s event is $10 for adults, $5 for Active Duty Military and free for children. Gates open and noon and the tribute runs from 2pm to 5pm.