| Celebration of Freedom - Reagan Library |
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I was privileged to attend the second annual "Celebration of Freedom Gala" with a kind invitation from Gary Sinise. More than a thousandd people honored the 43 of the 98 living Medal of Honor recipients. Recognition was given to former first lady Nancy Reagan, war hero and actor Charles Durning, and Gen. David H. Petraeus. I told General Petraeus about the "Citizen Soldier Handbook" and am planning on sending him an autographed copy.
Highlights: --Tom Selleck presented the "Lifetime Achievement Award" to a frail yMrs. Reagan, who received the first extended standing ovation of the evening. --Gary Sinise, a Presidential Citizens Medal recipient and the event's co-sponsor, delivered the Bob Hope Award for Excellence in Entertainment to Charles Durning, whose courage and grit during World War II earned him the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Silver Star, the Bronze Star and three Purple Hearts. Durning survived the Malmedy Massacre. ––CNN correspondent Alex Quade received an award for her war reporting. She was applauded for insightful and balanced reporting. –––Gen. Petraeus was a Rock Star with a uniform. He thanked his wife, Holly, and her support and sacrifice. ––Filmmaker Jake Rademacher - "Brothers at War" - was also in attendance. |
