(Beaver Dam) The mother of fallen Beaver Dam soldier Ryan Cantafio says (Sat) today’s “American Hero’s Music Festival” is an opportunity for the community to celebrate those who serve this country and protect our families. Sandy Hautamaki’s (how-duh-mack-ee) son was killed in Iraq on Thanksgiving Day in 2004. She will be performing today with her band Alexis. Hautamaki says as much as there is sorrow for those who have been lost, there needs to be happier times as well and her family ahs always gotten their joy from music. A portion of the proceeds raised at the festival will be directed to a scholarship in her son’s name and also in the name of Kirk Straseskie, a Beaver Dam-native who was killed in Iraq in 2003. Ryan’s cousin, Joe Cantafio is also performing today with his 101st Rock Division Band, a group that has performed for troops all over the middle east. The “American Hero’s Music Festival” will be held today at Swan Park from noon to 10pm.
