thedrifter
06-24-07, 07:23 AM
Representing all the men and women in uniform
By Eileen O. Daday
Daily Herald Correspondent
Posted Sunday, June 24, 2007
It was a historic moment Saturday as 21 of the 110 living recipients of the Medal of Honor were honored at Arlington Park.
During a solemn ceremony held after the third race, fans from the grandstand to the luxury suites stood to applaud the recipients, who were escorted by a Marine color guard.
Each one wore their medal, which is the highest award for valor in action and traditionally presented by the president.
Active-duty Marines in full dress uniform presented each recipient with a folded American flag that had been flown over the combat zone in Djibouti, in the Horn of Africa.
The honorees included Allen Lynch of Gurnee, who earned his medal when he rescued three wounded soldiers in Vietnam left in the middle of enemy fire, and Ron Rosser of Roseville, Ohio, who was awarded his medal for service in the Korean war.
“It’s a treat to be with these young (Marines),” Lynch said. “Especially because they’re volunteers. It’s our honor to be with them.”
Jack Jacobs of Millington, N.J., earned his medal in Vietnam when he led an infantry battalion in the Mekong Delta. He said award recipients used to gather every other year, but increasingly they have been meeting every year.
“We represent all the men and women who wear the uniform, particularly the ones who are out there fighting right now,” said Jacobs, who serves as a political and military analyst for NBC News.
The emotional tribute took place during the track’s weekend filled with military recognition. For starters, military personnel and three guests get free admission all weekend, while military vehicles such as Sea Knight helicopters, Humvees and military trucks are on display.
Arlington Park Chairman Richard L. Duchossois and President Roy Arnold both are military veterans, and they designed the event as a tribute and a fundraiser for the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation.
Duchossois hosted a lunch in the penthouse suites for the recipients and Marine officer escorts before holding a formal dinner Saturday night in the Governor’s Room.
“I served as a company commander of special troops during a five-year campaign from Normandy on,” Duchossois said, “but these are the real heroes. It’s an honor to be in their presence.”
Ellie
By Eileen O. Daday
Daily Herald Correspondent
Posted Sunday, June 24, 2007
It was a historic moment Saturday as 21 of the 110 living recipients of the Medal of Honor were honored at Arlington Park.
During a solemn ceremony held after the third race, fans from the grandstand to the luxury suites stood to applaud the recipients, who were escorted by a Marine color guard.
Each one wore their medal, which is the highest award for valor in action and traditionally presented by the president.
Active-duty Marines in full dress uniform presented each recipient with a folded American flag that had been flown over the combat zone in Djibouti, in the Horn of Africa.
The honorees included Allen Lynch of Gurnee, who earned his medal when he rescued three wounded soldiers in Vietnam left in the middle of enemy fire, and Ron Rosser of Roseville, Ohio, who was awarded his medal for service in the Korean war.
“It’s a treat to be with these young (Marines),” Lynch said. “Especially because they’re volunteers. It’s our honor to be with them.”
Jack Jacobs of Millington, N.J., earned his medal in Vietnam when he led an infantry battalion in the Mekong Delta. He said award recipients used to gather every other year, but increasingly they have been meeting every year.
“We represent all the men and women who wear the uniform, particularly the ones who are out there fighting right now,” said Jacobs, who serves as a political and military analyst for NBC News.
The emotional tribute took place during the track’s weekend filled with military recognition. For starters, military personnel and three guests get free admission all weekend, while military vehicles such as Sea Knight helicopters, Humvees and military trucks are on display.
Arlington Park Chairman Richard L. Duchossois and President Roy Arnold both are military veterans, and they designed the event as a tribute and a fundraiser for the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation.
Duchossois hosted a lunch in the penthouse suites for the recipients and Marine officer escorts before holding a formal dinner Saturday night in the Governor’s Room.
“I served as a company commander of special troops during a five-year campaign from Normandy on,” Duchossois said, “but these are the real heroes. It’s an honor to be in their presence.”
Ellie