A Celebration of Patriotism and Bravery to honor our Military Personnel
10th Annual Support Our Troops Luncheon
The 10th annual Support Our Troops Luncheon was held on September 8, 2011 at Windows on The River.
This year, which also marks the 10th Anniversary of the 9-11 attacks, the luncheon had a very special keynote speaker, Mr. David Beamer. Mr. Beamer is the father of Todd Beamer. Todd is the young man who rallied the passengers of United Flight 93 together with his cry "Are you guys ready? Let's roll!"
The plane had been hijacked by terrorists and was being aimed at a target of national impact with the certain deaths of thousands of people. Todd conferred with the other passengers and called them to action with the famous words that became the war cry for all the brave men and women fighting al Qaeda in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Peggy and David Beamer
Mr. Beamer, who was accompanied by his wife, Peggy, spoke passionately and without equivocation on the heroism of the forty passengers and crew who were murdered by the terrorists on September 11, 2001. They successfully kept the terrorist from achieving their goal by bringing the plane down in Shanksville Pennsylvania. There is no doubt thousands of lives were saved by their actions.
In this first video segment, David Beamer warns how the enemy is infiltrating us and how it upsets him that no prayer will be allowed at Ground Zero but a 'victory symbol" mosque will be built there - with taxpayer money.
In the last video, David Beamer told how after Bin Laden was killed, the President went to New York and the Vice-President to Washington DC for ceremonies. But nobody went to Shanksville, PA. Mr. Beamer spoke of his goal to have a memorial built in Shanskville noting that there is a memorial in both New York and at the Pentagon. He asks that very person donate one hours pay one time to the memorial.
The Halo Foundation in Akron is also raising funds for the Memorial. Their goal is to have each person donate "93 cents for Flight 93". You can help remember Flight 93 and support the Memorial by visiting the Flight 93 Memorial website.
Also speaking at the event was Bob Hope, nephew of the late comedian. Mr. Hope is the President of the Board of Directors of USO of Northern Ohio. Just recently a brand new Bob Hope USO Lounge was opened at Hopkins Airport, being one of two in the country allowed to use the Bob Hope name. (The other being at LAX in Los Angeles.)
Bob Hope
Mr. Hope told us that his uncle, who received thousands of awards and honors in his lifetime cherished one more than any other. By an act of Congress, he became the country's one and only "Honorary Veteran".
Bob Hope
Retired WKYC news anchor Tom Sweeney also spoke, talking about the Greater Cleveland Fisher House Foundation. Fisher Houses around the country provide lodging and support to families of veterans being treated at the Veterans Hospital.
Tom Sweeney
Sweeney recalled an old WWII song which said "We will wait for them and pray for them until they all come home." He added a line of his own "and if they are broken we will fix them."
He says this is an oath between those who served and those who were served.
In addition to lunch and the inspiring speakers, there was a silent auction, with many great donations to benefit Support Our Troops. The co-chairs Lucy Stickan and Sally Florkiewicz did a remarkable job and are to be commended for their tireless efforts on behalf of our Military.
Event co-chairs Sally Florkiewicz and Lucy Stickan
Enjoy these photos (by Debbie Hanson) from this important event.
RVCC Color Guard - Vincent Fraciolo, Joseph J. Biel, Ed Morrow, Marty Drabek and Skip Engel
Bill Willoughby, Lucy Stickan and Lt. Colonel David Barlet. Mr Willoughby led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Tampa Murphy led the Star Spangled Banner
Rob Frost gave a welcome and invocation
David Beamer giving keynote address
Susan Deitrick and Bob Hope
Matt Dolan, Dan Carter and Fr. Howard Humphrey Fr. Humphrey gave the Benediction and Dan Carter gave concluding remarks
Susan Rodman, Lauren LaJoe and Karen LaJoe
Diana Chrien, Pam Lange and Lucy Stickan
Betty Sullivan and Marine Mom Michelle Ek
Back row: Rosie Jovic, Cassie Gaffney, Judy K. Zamlen-Spots Front row: Susan Jovic, Mary Spada and Senator Grace Drake
Bill and Ann Cull with Dan O'Brien
Joe Kuly, Tammy Puff and Ann Marie Mills
Judge Kathleen Satula and Irene Morrow
Sondra McCarthy checks out the Silent Auction
Rep. Patrick Sweeney
David Beamer and Lucy Stickan
Bob Hope, Marilyn Bush and Marvin Piniles
Monica Hunter and Lucille Mayer
Tammy Puff, Sharon Gingerich and Michelle Stys
Tom Sweeney and Lucy Stickan
USO of Northern Ohio 70th Anniversary
Heroes of Flight 93
Co-chairs Sally Florkiewicz and Lucy Stickan with Bob Hope
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