The Sixth Annual Bipartisan Tribute to Veterans and Those Who Serve in Congress was held in Washington on June 27, honoring veterans of military services and especially those who have continued their service to the nation in Congress.
The program began with a presentation of the flag by the Joint Armed Forces Color Guard, the National Anthem sung by Anthony Kearns, an invocation by the Chaplain of the House of Representatives Rev. Patrick Conroy, and a Pledge of Allegiance led by Pfc. Fame Academia and Will Hubbard. Hubbard is vice president of the Student Veterans Association, serving more than 1.1 million student veterans – the largest student organization in the country.
Other dignitaries in attendance included Secretary of Veterans Affairs David Shulkin, former Virginia Governor Jim Gilmore, New Zealand Ambassador Tim Groser, Irish Deputy Chief of Mission Michael Lonergan, and many others. Shulkin’s presence underscored his commitment to work with Congress on reforming the Veterans’ administration, and the president’s pledge to make it a priority.
A long list of Congressional veterans in attendance were represented by Reps. Mike Coffman, R-Colo., and Steve Russell, R-Okla., at the podium. Coffman is the only member of Congress who served in both the Marine Corps and the Army. Russell was an Army Ranger and was part of the team that captured Saddam Hussein (Russell’s book, We Got Him, describes that episode in vivid detail).
Their remarks reflected a characteristic notable in all the speeches, what might be called a new seriousness about governing. These veterans, no matter their party allegiance, are a no-nonsense group, who have learned the importance of national policies and priorities in combat, risking their own lives and watching their comrades fall in battle.
To them, legislation is not a matter to be delayed, with decisions to be “kicked down the road” for fear of not being re-elected. These are men and women who have had to live out the consequences of political decisions, often with dire results.
The evening then honored Academia, retired Marine Cpl. Jeff DeYoung, and DeYoung’s war-dog, Cena.
Master of Ceremonies Jennifer Griffin, Fox News’ National Security Correspondent, told Academia’s extraordinary story. At 89 years old, he is a walking oral history of the World War II Japanese occupation of the Philippines.
As a boy, he survived execution when his father hid him in a church, after they helped a downed U.S. pilot elude capture by the Japanese. He joined the U.S. Merchant Marines and then the U.S. Navy in time for the Korean War. His Navy career saw his eventual appointment to the office of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Thomas Hinman Moorer (July 2, 1970 – July 1, 1974). Academia charmed the entire crowd with his story and his sprightly personality.
Former Rep. Bob Livingston gave an inspirational introduction of DeYoung, who told the story of his valiant and devoted dog, Cena, and his difficulties in reuniting with Cena after they left the Marine Corps. Without the help of American Humane, Cena would have been euthanized and DeYoung left without the absolutely critical support Cena provided during his rehabilitation. American Humane has been providing this service since 1917 when it was formed at the request of former President Woodrow Wilson to care for all the wounded horses in World War I.
Another guest who was highlighted was Janis Shinwari, an Afghan interpreter credited with directly saving five U.S. soldiers in combat, now working with No One Left Behind. This group of unsung heroes deserves our recognition.
The program concluded with several songs sung by Kearns, a world-renowned tenor, fresh from starring in the opera “L’elisir d’amore” in Ireland’s prestigious Lismore Opera Festival. His program featured several love songs interspersed with rousing renditions, well-known melodies, and concluding with “God Bless America,” sung by the entire audience.
The audience left in high spirits, ready to celebrate a patriotic Independence Day, and honor those who serve our great nation.
Lawrence Fedewa is a writer based in Virginia.
Disclosure: The event was co-hosted by the Washington Examiner. It was organized by Kirsten Fedewa & Associates, LLC.
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