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American Veterans Disabled for Life Awards Gala

Apr. 27, 2004

Manderin Oriental Hotel, NY, NY

History has reminded us about many things, celebrations, victories, and yes, even the painful memories of war--soldiers coming back from the battle ground, some whole and unharmed, some in coffins, and some, while alive, disabled for life.While our nation has thus far had a war memorial to honor our fallen heroes, who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom, there as yet hasn’t been any kind of memorial to honor those who, while not having paid the ultimate price, have paid a painfully high price for our freedom, our disabled American veterans. This is where Lois Pope, Chairman of the Disabled Veterans Life Memorial Foundation, has stepped in. While visiting the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to see where the name her first cousin, a fallen hero from Vietnam, etched into the black marble memorial, Ms. Pope saw her vision become distinctly visible when she questioned where the memorial which honored veterans who were lying in the gurney at the Rusk Center and those in wheelchairs, using canes or with prosthetic devices to replace their lost arms and legs. Shocked by the reply that she received—that there was no such memorial—Ms. Pope set out to have such a tribute memorial built. It is this campaign which is the central focus of the Disabled Veterans Life Memorial Foundation which Lois had started.

The American Veterans Disabled for Life event was very touching event, one main reason being that it served as a reminder for those who think they don’t have it very good in life, yet have all of their limbs and their five senses intact, and, perhaps more importantly, are not traumatized by terrifying experiences of war which will remain with them for the rest of their lives.

Those disabled veterans who were honored at the night’s gala, from hearing them speak, are true examples of inspiration to others, demonstrating how individuals can endure such tremendous suffering and still strive and achieve.

The evening started out with a welcome message from Master of Ceremonies Tom Brokaw, Anchor of the NBC Nightly News. Renowned for his excellent war-time coverage, from the 1991 Gulf War, our most recent wars with Afghanistan and Iraq, Mr. Brokaw was probably the perfect candidate to have hosted this wonderful gala which focused on the harsh realities behind the price of American freedom. Mr. Brokaw took the stage and thanked everyone for coming, stating what a privilege it was to speak on behalf of the many veterans who have either given their lives in totality or paid those painfully high prices via dismemberment and/or the loss of their senses. He commented about his sincere hope that he will have the honors of attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the new memorial which Ms. Lois Pope is campaigning to build, the concept for which, by the way, has already been approved.

Brigadier General Peter M. Dawkins, announced how humbled he was to be in the presence of veterans who have made such extreme sacrifices to preserve our freedom, something everyone should keep in mind. He then introduced Ross Perot, who came up to the stage, describing how “determined” and “persistent” Ross is when he sets out to get things done. “No introduction. He simply calls me and says. ‘This is Ross, I need you to do … for me.’. and calls back twenty minutes later, asking ‘is it done yet’.” Peter Dawkins described him as the type individuals that veterans need in to help bring about long-deserved recognition disabled veterans have made for their supreme sacrifices. Ross then took the stage and made a very distinct comment “freedom has cost the protected will never know,” indicating how we can never truly, truly appreciate what these men and women who have served in our armed forces have done for us because we haven’t lived through it ourselves. You could hear the determination in his voice.

Ross then announced the first Honoree, Sergeant Jeremy Feldbusch, of the U.S. Army, who lost one of his eyes and was left blinded in the other, and spoke about the exemplary character he demonstrated in his unselfish desire to serve his country. When Jeremy came up on the stage, he thanked everyone for the honor, and said that he is accepting the award for ALL of the veterans that have fought and are still fighting. This man was true patriot. We then enjoyed a wonderful dinner, and the ceremony continued.

The second honoree was General Richard B. Myers, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who’s award was presented by Ms. Lois Pope herself. Ms. Pope spoke about the great work General Myers has accomplished in his capacity of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff since 2001, and his past serving in leadership positions Chairman of the Joint Requirements Oversight Council, Vice Chairman of the Defense Acquisition Board and member of the National Security Council Deputies Committee. When General Myers came up to the stage, he also reminded everyone of what a great nation this is and how we should all be grateful for the freedom which these veterans have paid such a huge price for.

The next honoree was Oscar Nominiee Gary Sinise, who played a disabled veteran in the Oscar winning film “Forest Gump”. When Ms. Sinise took the stage, he immediately began to reminisce about a play that an acquaintance of his had created, which he saw 10 years ago. The play was acted out not by professional actors, although the cast members were all Vietnam veterans, portrayed a very clear and distinct image of what it was like to partake in such a tragic war. Gary also spoke about the feelings of “guilt” he had, being the recipient of what many of these soldiers had paid a tremendous price for. The image the play portrayed was so real, that Gary wanted to bring the play back to his home town to inform anyone and everyone about these experiences—he was moved to ask his friend for the rights to the play, which, after long persistence, he managed to get. Mr. Sinise concluded by saying that he will do whatever it takes to make sure that what happened to our soldiers in Vietnam will never, ever happen again.

The last honoree, and winner of the Unsung Hero Award, was Captain George M. Moore, Jr. of the U.S. Air Force, who was severely burned and lost three limbs in a fiery crash. Captain Moore thanked everyone for the honor of receiving the award and how humbled he was. He asked everyone to reflect on the freedom we have, and to remember that that freedom does not come without a price. He stated sincerely that, if he can be an inspiration to even one other individual, his life will not in vain.

Other dignitaries that were on hand included American Stock Exchange President Peter Quick, and the designer of the disabled veterans war memorial which Ms. Pope is having built.

This was a very warm, touching event, which truly reminded everyone that freedom doesn’t come without sacrifice. We at Liberty News Online would like to thank Ms. Andrea Greif, and all of her staff of Dan Clores Communications, for inviting us to attend and provide coverage for this event. Without Ms. Greif’s kind invitation, it would certainly not been possible. Anyone interested in learning more about the Disabled Veterans Life Memorial Foundation, please feel free to visit their website, at http://www.disabledveteranslifememorial.org/

Abbey H. Muneer is the Executive Director of H.A.D. Organization of New York City, Inc., a world-famous athlete, author and, above all, a humanitarian. Abbey will write articles about charity events, benefits, fundraisers and galas which are raising money for humantiarian causes. If you are interested in having Abbey and one his staff members cover one of your charity events, benefits, fundraisers or galas, feel free to notify us one week in advance, at LNEvents@hadofnyc.org, or telephone us at (718) 507-7616, between the hours of 8:00am and 8:00pm e.s.t. and ask to speak to Abbey or Maria. If you would like more information, or would like to have Liberty News Online Magazine consult your next charitable event, please feel free to visit our website, at http://www.hadofnyc.org/store/success.html, email us at humanitarians@hadofnyc.org, or telephone our hotline, at (718) 507-7616, between the hours of 8:00am and 8:00pm e.s.t. (U.S.A.)