Ceremony Emcee and Past National President Ann
Panteleakos welcomed attendees and asked Park Ranger and National Parks Representative Bethann Herman to address attendees. Each of the National Offi cers and the Past National Presidents in attendance were introduced. T en National President Bishop made her presentation. “I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the National
Park Service and extend a huge congratulations on its 100th anniversary,” said Bishop. “You are a treasure to us, and we as members have had the privilege of working with you for many decades. T ank you for all you do to protect some of the most amazing parts of our country, including this beautiful place where we now stand.” President Bishop presented the National Monument with a
donation of $2,000 for its upkeep and future preservation. “We know the Park will take great care of this memorial for many, many generations to come,” Bishop said. Ranger Herman later admitted to being completely surprised by the generous gift. VFW Commander-in-Chief Brian Duff y gave the keynote
address, taking time to remind everyone about the source of our freedoms. “Looking upon majestic Mount Rushmore, I see the fi rst 130 years of America’s history. I see our country’s heroic beginning and realize this monument represents the ideals and values our great nation was founded upon,” Duff y said. “And with today’s celebration comes our opportunity to express our gratitude to the men and women who do their duty to the nation through military service. Every American, no matter where they live, or what they do, reaps the benefi t of their service and sacrifi ce.” T e ceremony concluded with music by Soloist Watts and
Musician Patsy Cole with the colors of the U.S. Flag fl owing high above and right amidst the crowd of Flag Bearers. Watch the website and social media for news about the 2017 Celebrating America’s Freedom Event!
Top: Members celebrate America’s freedom under the gaze of U.S. Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln at Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Above: VFW Auxiliary National President Colette Bishop and VFW Commander-in-Chief Brian Duffy accept proclamations from South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard that state that September 17 is “Unwavering Support for Uncommon Heroes®
” Day. Photos by Alethea Nash. E + |
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