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Seasoned Vet
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My wife Lylla and I had the honor of being invited last night to Arizona's First Annual Order of the Purple Heart Ball.
It was spectacular with all of the branches of the military being present and/or represented in the color guard. Dress Blues, formal Mess, and tuxedos bedecked and resplendent with medals and awards. And the wifes and girlfriends beautiful dressed in designer gowns.
The pomp and ceremony was memorable with one formal empty chair and table, decorated in purple and silver in the middle of the ballroom, signifying those military who paid the ultimate price. A bell was rung for all Arizona servicemen who gave their lives in various conflicts and we participated in a formal color guard presentation complete with the Pledge of Allegiance, the Star Spangled Banner and then the haunting closing with taps.
Awards for given for the oldest and youngest Arizonan Marine recipients of the purple heart. The oldest, a Marine Lt. who survived the Tarawa invasion, and a young Marine Sergeant who was wounded while helping quell a airplane hijacking between France and some middle-eastern country. There was a table for family members of a young Arizonan who was recently KIA in Iraq.
The meal was wonderful and we had a great band. The guest speaker was one Rick Rommley, AZ's former Attorney General. When he hinted that he may be tossing is hat into the next AZ Governor's election, my wife and I quickly introduced ourselves, gave him our personal information and volunteered to be full time campaign workers if he ran.
Rick Rommley was an eighteen year old Marine in Viet Nam. He lost bot his legs below his knees, returned to AZ and completed college on the GI Bill. Went through a multitude of political offices culminating as the Attorney General. He is fit, and amazingly walks using only a cane. He is inspiring and appears so sincere.
Because of this event in out lives . . .We just wanted to thank those in attendance who earned this honored award, and to all those who here at USP who likewise earned a Purple Heart. We also wish to thank and honor those who returned apparently unscathed but likewise placed their bodies and lives in harms way and especially to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Thank you, I am honored to stand amongst you and am humbly privileged to personally know a few. I salute you and all you stand for!
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