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Fundraiser event held in uptown to help give back to veterans

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Several hundred veterans and their families gathered in uptown Saturday evening for a fundraiser to help give back to those who served in the military.

The Veterans Bridge Home Star-Spangled Salute fundraiser was held at the Le Méridien hotel in Charlotte from 6 - 10 p.m.

The Veterans Bridge Home is dedicated to helping connect veterans and family members. The group helps veterans navigate employment and develop social connections.

"It gives an opportunity to put our arms around veterans because we've been there before. We know how important this is. We know how important the sense of community and being welcomed is," said Jim Amos, who is retired from the U.S. Marine Corps.

Gen. Stanley McChrystal was the keynote speaker of the event and was joined by four other retired four-star generals, 24 more retired generals or admirals, as well as civic, business and community leaders from the area.

Veterans Bridge Home was started in Charlotte eight years ago.