Liz Gibson
The PebbleCreek Republican Club’s tenth annual Patriotic Event and Dinner was held Thursday, Nov. 7, in the Tuscany Falls Ballroom. The sold-out event was both a solemn and congratulatory evening of recognition of the many PebbleCreek veterans who served in all branches of the service.
Following a social time, the beautiful, moving program started promptly at 6 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Jodie Heinz and Cindy Zakian. The singing of the Star Spangled Banner was followed by a beautiful invocation given by Chaplain Tom Chapman, blessing our President and praying for his safety and strength.
In recognition of all our veterans, the audience sang military theme songs from all the branches of service, with the words provided in the program. Throughout the evening a video presentation, produced by Sandra Hand, flashed pictures of PebbleCreek Republican Club veterans. These included vets from WWII, Korea, and Vietnam, in their military uniforms during the wars and often from their theaters of service.
The annual “missing Man Table” was presented by Sue Harrison. In remembrance of the missing in action, the table is set with a single red rose and yellow ribbon on a white cloth with an inverted glass.
Following the dinner, the Veterans Recognition was presented by PCRC Treasurer Doug Krause. All of the veterans came forward as their branch of service was called. They were acknowledged individually and then posed for a group picture.
Next came the presentation of the 2019 Honoree Recognition Award to Charles (Charlie) Kice by PCRC President Bari Cavallo who presented him with the Eagle Statue. He then received the flag that was flown over the capital this last August on the anniversary of his discharge from service from Ken Fuellbier, Outreach Director for US Congresswoman Debbie Lesko. Charlie Kice served many years and in many theaters of battle during his long military service and is a true deserving patriot.
Vice President Sue Harrison introduced the evening’s speaker, Colonel Jack Gregory, Jr, US Air Force – retired. He spoke of the families of veterans as those who have made the greatest sacrifice. He emphasized that thanking veterans and military for their service is wonderful, but earning their respect through living a life of commitment to America is the real reward.
The evening ended with the singing of God Bless America. It was an evening of honor, gratitude, and remembrance.