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Invitations Have Been Mailed For November 10 Dedication - 9 October, 2006
Invitations to the dedication of the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor at the New Windsor Cantonment have been mailed from Gov. George Pataki's office. The dedication will be at 10 a.m. Nov. 10, followed by a military ceremony at 11 a.m.
In preparation for the event, which is expected to attract dignitaries from across the nation, the four members of the Steering Committee, each of whom lives in Orange County, have been visiting veterans groups. The members are retired Air Force Lt. Gen. James "Don" Hughes, state Sen. Bill Larkin, Joe Farina and Everett Smith. They've been making arrangements and contacts for parking, traffic control, seating for dignitaries and more.
Farina and Smith recently spoke at a well-attended informational meeting hosted by the Badge of Military Merit Chapter 1782, which meets monthly at Washington's Headquarters. The group is led by Sergio Antonio Morales, commander, and is recognized as the oldest Purple Heart chapter.
During the meeting, it was revealed that the official parking area will be at Stewart International Airport on Route 207 in Newburgh. Shuttle buses will be used.
The Steering Committee is asking all veterans who belong to veterans groups to wear their covers (caps).
Sal J. Scialo, commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 1147, believed to be the nation's newest Purple Heart chapter, recently shared his extensive research of the award's beginnings with this columnist. It was started as the Badge of Military Merit by Gen. George Washington when he recognized three enlisted men for meritorious service at his encampment in Newburgh. They were Sgt. Elijah Churchill of Enfield, Conn., Sgt. William Brown of Stamford, Conn., and Sgt. Daniel Bissell of East Windsor, Conn. In 1932 the name of the badge was changed to the Purple Heart Award. Today, there are more than 1.7 million Americans who have been awarded the Purple Heart. The Hall of Honor will be the place where their names and history will be preserved.
The Steering Committee is urging Purple Heart recipients and family members of those who have died to record names and histories for posterity. Information can be mailed to the Hall of Honor, P.O. Box 207, Vails Gate 12584-0207.
# In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the incorporation of the Village of Highland Falls, Mayor Joe D'Onofrio and members of the Village Board are hosting an open house. It will be from 5-8 p.m. Friday at the Village Hall on Main Street in Highland Falls. The mayor said many will be dressed in clothing pertinent to the historic time, and they'll be re-enacting the original board meeting.
Afterwards there will be refreshments. Special commemorative envelopes will be issued, and the historical society will show off its 100th quilt. Also, winners of the school essay contest "Highland Falls — Moving Forward" will be announced and prizes for the top three announced. Sounds like fun.
# A free developmental screening day is being offered at all Dynamic Therapy and Learning Treatment Centers from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday. On hand to give the screenings will be speech therapists, an occupation therapist, a special education teacher and a physical therapist. Walk-ins are welcome, although reservations are suggested by calling 651-2251.
# A Women's Health Fair will be Saturday at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 95 Kings Highway, Warwick. Doors open at 8:45 a.m., and speakers will begin at 9 a.m.
Among the speakers and topics will be a pharmaceutical representative taking heel density studies, a physician talking about breast cancer and the importance of mammograms, a support group leader talking about living with multiple sclerosis, and two ovarian cancer survivors who will share their experiences.
There will be tables with health exhibits and free literature. Experts will share information on nutrition, exercise, relaxation techniques, alternative health options and heart disease. Members of the Warwick Junior Ambulance Corps will take blood pressure readings.
For information, call Maggie Adams, coordinator, at 986-7016.
# Members of Court Rosemary Number 681 Catholic Daughters of the Americas are celebrating their 85th anniversary Sunday. They'll start with a Mass at 11:30 a.m. at St. Joseph's Church in Middletown with Msgr. George Valastro as the celebrant. Lunch will follow at 1 p.m. at the Olde Erie Pub on West Main Street, a short distance away.
Mary Van Gelder is the chairwoman. Call her at 342-3607.
Barbara Bedell's column appears daily. Call her at 346-3125.
09bzbedelloctmonday
pic one:
Members of the steering committee of the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor dedication Nov. 10 are, from left, state Sen. Bill Larkin, Joe Farina, retired Air Force Lt. Gen. James "Don" Hughes and Everett Smith.
Photo provided
pic two:
Among the hundreds of veterans planning to attend the dedication of the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor are former American prisoners of war. From left are Bill Stratis, Kenneth Knapp and Henry Kane. All served during World War II.
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