The 11th Annual Purple Heart, Dinner and Awards Gala
At the Holiday Inn, Embassy Ballroom NY NY
May 13th 2006

The Purple Heart is an American decoration-the oldest military decoration in the world in present use and the first American award made available to the common soldier. It was initially created as the Badge of Military Merit by one of the world's most famed and best-loved heroes-General George Washington.

General Washington is often pictured as a cold, stern soldier, a proud aristocrat. Yet we know he showed sympathy and concern for his troops, and was not too proud to pray humbly on his knees for his beloved country and for the men who served it, and him, so bravely and loyally.
  His keen appreciation of the importance of the common soldier in any campaign impelled him to recognize outstanding valor and merit by granting a commission or an advance in rank to deserving individuals. In the summer of 1782 he was ordered by the Continental Congress to cease doing so-there were no funds to pay the soldiers, much less the officers!
The PURPLE HEART is awarded to members of the armed forces of the U.S. who are wounded by an instrument of war in the hands of the enemy and posthumously to the next of kin in the name of those who are killed in action or die of wounds received in action. It is specifically a combat decoration.
   An organization now known as the "Military Order of the Purple Heart," was formed in 1932 for the protection and mutual interest of all who have received the decoration. Composed exclusively of Purple Heart recipients, it is the only veterans service organization comprised strictly of "combat" veterans.
   Funds for welfare, rehabilitation and/or service work carried on by the organization are derived through the collection of used household items, the operation of Thrift Stores, through the donation of automobiles and, at the community level, from the annual distribution of its official flower, the Purple Heart Viola. Violas are assembled by disabled and needy veterans, many of whom receive little or no compensation from other sources. Thus your contribution to programs of the Military Order of the Purple Heart serve a two-fold purpose-they help the veterans who participate in these endeavors and enable the organization to do many things on behalf of hospitalized and needy veterans and their families.
   Wives, mothers, daughters, step-daughters and adopted daughters of Purple Heart recipients are eligible to belong to the Ladies' Auxiliary of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, which also does important work nationally and locally in Veterans' Hospitals.
Mr Tony Rivera, Jr Commander of the Colon-Rivera Chapter #3 of New York city and Ladies Auxiliary,went on to say, Our chapter honors and recognizes those involved in remedying the plight of our veterans,and we honor those public officials who struggle along with us in mending the still existing veteran’s issues.In a like manner, we join with other veterans organizations,many of whom are represented here tonight,the Dav, VFW, AMVETS, American Legion,VVA, MOPH,BVSJ, United Spinal Association,the coalition for veterans in pain and distress, all VANC’s and vet centers, other VSO’s and CBO’s who care to make a difference,to assume the responsibility to look after our own,just like we retrieved our wounded from the field of battle,we know seek to mend the damage of the veteran in need.
The following people were honored;Jimmy Crespo, District Manager, Bacardi, USA, Inc, Cecilia Fabian, Dream Makers Real Estate LLC, James Parker, US Army, Vietnam, MOPH volunteer, Marilyn Greenberg,Treasurer,LAMOPH Unit 3 NYC, Dick Traum, President and Founder,Achilles Track Club, Rick Weeks, Commander, MOPH,Department of New York, and Darryl E. Small, of 1st Republic Mortgage Bankers, Inc.The Gala was also held in honor of Judge Conrad B. Duberstein,chief Judge of the united states, Bankruptcy court,Brooklyn,NY who died at the age of 90 in 2005.
The music was handled by D.J Frank, a live fashion show was put together by Chila Fashion Show for Fun, people danced eat and enjoyed their selves, it was a great event seeing, all US officers and Veterans, in one room and honoring each other, we at Liberty News Online Magazine want to thank, Tony Rivera Jr, Commander of the Colon-Rivera Chapter #3 of New York city for his kind invite, for more information about the organization feel free to view their website at www.purpleheart.org














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