Veterans honored as Rothman Institute Ice Rink reopens

CENTER CITY (WPVI) -- It's beginning to look like a Winter Wonderland again around Philadelphia City Hall.

A big holiday season attraction reopened Friday: the Rothman Institute Ice Rink at Dilworth Park.

Because this year's opening of the rink fell on Veterans Day, the opening ceremonies honored America's men and women who have served.

The event featured the Philly Pops playing patriotic music; a Boy Scouts troop color guard; and U.S. Air Force Tech Sgt. Cristina Thompson singing the national anthem.

After the national anthem, volunteers a huge American flag over the rink, and the USO handed out little American flags so everyone could proudly wave them.

This is the third year Dilworth Park, with the ice rink as its centerpiece, has transformed into a winter playground.

The rink itself has two miles of special chemicals underneath to keep it frozen.

Skating started after the opening ceremonies - you can even take skating lessons!

The Rothman Institute Cabin is open again this year, featuring food, hot chocolate and cocktails.

"People can't wait to come out and skate," said Center City District representative Michelle Shannon. "It has been tremendous."

And new this year on the lawn at Dilworth Park is "America's Garden Capital Maze."

The whimsical creation for kids and adults has archways made of willow branches plus evergreens and topiary sculptures with twinkling lights.

Veterans and active military personnel with identification can skate free.

Visitors to the Rothman Institute Cabin can buy a Sam Adams beer for soldiers past and present with the Sam Adams Pour One Forward program.

And everyone is asked to bring a non-perishable food item for the Liberty USO.