Bloomington citizens, local military members, and their families gathered Sunday to support troops of the 33rd Brigade Battalion Group.

Family Readiness Group Leader Sherral Wood says this event is really important to families.

Family Readiness Group Leader Sherral Wood says, "Just to know that it's not just them feeling things but to know that there are other people out there and that's one thing that Bloomington/Normal has always been known for is to be behind their families."

Veteran Richard Terven says he goes to many events that support the troops.

Veteran Richard Terven says, "Anything to do to support the troops...if it wasn't for the troops we wouldn't have our freedom today."

The gathering at G.E. Park included a picnic and even a magic show by Ronald McDonald.

The event gives the community and families a chance to record a shout out to military members, prepare posters for their return, and seek support with others who are waiting for their loved ones to come home.

Military wife Rebecca Wagner says it means so much to the families that people really care.

Military wife Rebecca Wagner says, "That the community's doing this for us is great, the families need it really bad they need to know that the people are behind them because you feel...there are days when you just feel so isolated everybody else has their husbands or their wives with them and you don't...you just feel alone."

Some of the troops will be returning in September and others won't be back until next April.

Either way Wood says she hopes to make this picnic an annual event.