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FReeper Canteen ~ Hall of Heroes: Gettysburg Celebrates Medal of Honor Heroes
Serving The Best Troops and Veterans In The World !! | StarCMC

Posted on 09/08/2013 5:00:12 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska

 

Our Troops Rock!  Thank you for all you do!
For the freedom you enjoyed yesterday...
Thank the Veterans who served
in The United States Armed Forces.
 
Looking forward to tomorrow's freedom? Support The United States
Armed Forces Today!
 
 

~ Hall of Heroes ~

Gettysburg Celebrates Medal of Honor Heroes

Info from here.

ArmyPatch small   Marine small   Air Force Seal   Air Force   Coast Guard Seal small (better)

Deep within the archives of the Gettysburg Museum and Visitor Center, nestled between historical documents and archeological battlefield treasures, four Medals of Honor are tucked away.

Recently, museum specialist Paul Shevchuk -- one of three people at the museum who handle the artifacts in the collection -- brought the medals out to breathe.

His hands swathed in white cotton gloves, Shevchuk carefully pulled a small leather box from its case and placed it on a metal examining table. Inside was one of the first Medals of Honor in its original design.

The bronze was slightly tarnished and the ribbon was frayed. Almost 150 years ago, in October 1864, President Abraham Lincoln presented it to Color Sgt. Daniel P. Reigle.

The medal was awarded to Reigle for his actions at the Battle of Cedar Creek, but Gettysburg is an appropriate home for it because Reigle was born in Adams County and lived in Littlestown after the war. He is buried in Mount Carmel Cemetery in Littlestown.

The other medals in the Gettysburg Museum and Visitor Center collection were awarded for action in the Battle of Gettysburg. In less than two weeks, as many as 79 other medals may make their way to Gettysburg when the annual Medal of Honor Convention is held at the Wyndham Gettysburg Hotel from Sept. 18-21.

All 79 living recipients of the medal are invited, and about 50 are expected to attend, said Bob Monahan, president and CEO of the convention.

Several events will be open to the public, though they will require tickets, Monahan said.

However, the National Park Service's collection of Medals of Honor will remain locked away in the archives during the convention.

In addition to Reigle's medal -- donated to the museum as part of the Rosensteel collection -- medals awarded to two other Civil War veterans are in the collection.

Sgt. Wallace W. Johnson, Company G, 6th Pennsylvania Reserves, was awarded the medal for actions July 2, 1863. He and five others charged on a number of enemy sharpshooters concealed in a log house, captured them and brought them back to the Union lines. Johnson's medal was issued in 1900.

Lt. James J. Purman, Company A, 140th Pennsylvania Infantry, was awarded the medal for actions July 2, 1863, when he voluntarily assisted a wounded comrade. According to the citation, Purman was wounded while helping the soldier, and his left leg had to be amputated. Purman's medal was issued in 1896.

In 1904, the Medal of Honor was redesigned, and those who had received the medal previously were presented with the newer version. Both versions of Johnson's medal are in the collection at the Gettysburg museum.

Shevchuk said Purman's and Johnson's medals were donated in recent years, and they have not been on display in the museum. Reigle's medal was on display for several years until 2012.

There are no plans to put them on display for the Medal of Honor Conference.

"They're on vacation," Shevchuk said, explaining that artifacts need time to rest, much like people do. Exposing objects to light and other elements when they're on display in a museum setting can hurt the medals. It's important to rotate objects and collections on display at the museum, he said.

Plus, Katie Lawhon, management assistant for Gettysburg National Military Park, pointed out that those attending the Medal of Honor conference will be bringing their own medals with them.

Medal of Honor events open to the public

Though the Medal of Honor Convention is privately organized, several events will be open to the public, according to President and CEO of the Convention Bob Monahan.

A public meet and greet event will take place at the Wyndham on Sept. 19, and the public can meet the Medal of Honor recipients one-on-one, take photos and get autographs.

On Sept. 20, there will be a town hall forum and community outreach event at Gettysburg College, emceed by Chris Wallace, where recipients will be interviewed. Audience members can take part in the conversation.

Later that evening, a public concert will be held on the Gettysburg battlefield at the Pennsylvania Monument overlooking Pickett's Charge. The U.S. Armed Forces Color Guard, the West Point Cadet Glee Club and "The President's Own" United States Marine Band, which performed during President Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, are scheduled to play.

"After the concert, we are going to have the largest fireworks display probably ever seen in Adams County," Monahan said.

The final public event is the Patriot Award Dinner at the Wyndham Sept. 21. Recipients, elected officials, senior military officers, business executives and community leaders will be there. Awards including the Bob Hope Award for Entertainment and the Patriot Award will be given out at the dinner.

The meet and greet, town hall forum and concert are free, but require a ticket. Tickets for the Patriot dinner start at $500.

For more information about the convention or to reserve tickets for an event, visit www.cmoh2013.org.

Recipients and their guests are scheduled to arrive Sept. 18 and will be staying at the Wyndham Gettysburg Hotel.

Monahan said organizers have been working on the event for three years.

"We are connecting them, as recipients, with their history," he said.

By BRANDIE KESSLER AND LILLIAN REED

Please remember the Canteen is here to honor, support and entertain our troops and their families.  This is a politics-free zone!  Thanks for helping us in our mission! 



TOPICS: Culture/Society; Extended News; Free Republic
KEYWORDS: canteen; gettysburg; heroes; military; pennsylvania; troopsupport
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1 posted on 09/08/2013 5:00:12 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska
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To: Kathy in Alaska


REQUEST PERMISSION TO COME ABOARD



CHARLESTOWN, Mass. (Jan. 14, 2008) The first major snowfall of the New Year blankets the USS Constitution. Despite the weather "Old Ironsides," remained open for free public tours. At 210 years-old, USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world, manned by 67 active-duty United States Sailors and visited by nearly half a million visitors annually. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Eric Brown (Released)

GOD BLESS AND PROTECT OUR TROOPS AND OUR BELOVED NATION!!!





Boston, Oct. 21, 2009 - Boatswains Mate 2nd Class Philip Gagnon pipes as USS Constitution performs an underway demonstration in honor of the three-masted wooden frigate's 212th birthday. (U.S. Navy photo by Airman Mark Alexander/Released).
(Click for Bosun’s Whistle)




USS Constitution's 1812 Marine Guard fire vintage Springfield flintlock muskets during the ship's underway. "Old Ironsides" was underway for the "Constitution Day Cruise," which is conducted to thank the family and supporters of Constitution. U.S. Navy photo by Airman Nick Lyman (Released)

OUR TROOPS ROCK!!!!!!!








"Riamh nár dhruid ó sbairn lann!"

Genuflectimus non ad principem sed ad Principem Pacis!

Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name. (Isaiah 49:1 KJV)

2 posted on 09/08/2013 5:01:04 PM PDT by ConorMacNessa (HM/2 USN, 3/5 Marines RVN 1969 - St. Michael the Archangel defend us in Battle!)
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To: Kathy in Alaska

MOH always has 1st Place


3 posted on 09/08/2013 5:01:57 PM PDT by SandRat (Duty - Honor - Country! What else needs said?)
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To: StarCMC; MoJo2001; 007; 1 FELLOW FREEPER; 11B3; 1FreeAmerican; 1stbn27; 2111USMC; 2LT Radix jr; ...
Please note: The author of the Hall of Heroes is StarCMC.

Please thank StarCMC for today’s thread.

~ Hall of Heroes: Gettysburg Celebrates Medal of Honor Heroes ~

FR CANTEEN MISSION STATEMENT

Showing support and boosting the morale of
our military and our allies’ military
and the family members of the above.
Honoring those who have served before.

CLICK HERE TO FIND LATEST THREADS



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To every service man or woman reading this thread.
Thank You for your service to our country.
No matter where you are stationed,
No matter what your job description
Know that we are are proud of each and everyone of you.

To our military readers, we remain steadfast
in keeping the Canteen doors open.

The FR Canteen is Free Republic's longest running daily thread
specifically designed to provide entertainment and moral support for the military.

The doors have been open since Oct 7 2001,
the day of the start of the war in Afghanistan.

We are indebted to you for your sacrifices for our Freedom.



NOTE: CANTEEN MUSIC
Posted daily and on the Music Thread
for the enjoyment of our troops and visitors.


4 posted on 09/08/2013 5:05:08 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska
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To: Kathy in Alaska
George Pickett:

 photo Pickett.jpg

J.E.B. Stuart:

 photo Stuart.jpg

Robert E. Lee:

 photo RobertELeePosingRichmond.jpg

5 posted on 09/08/2013 5:05:40 PM PDT by gorush (History repeats itself because human nature is static)
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To: The Mayor; ConorMacNessa; SandRat; BIGLOOK; mountainlion; HiJinx; Publius; laplata; Jet Jaguar; ...

Hello Veterans, wherever you are!!


6 posted on 09/08/2013 5:07:11 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska
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To: ConorMacNessa
Permission Granted!


7 posted on 09/08/2013 5:10:26 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska
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To: Kathy in Alaska; StarCMC


Good evening, Kathy and Star!

***HUGS***



Thanks very much – coming aboard! Rendering Hand Salutes to our National Colors and to the Officer of the Deck!

And thanks very much to you and Star for tonight’s Hall of Heroes thread!








"Riamh nár dhruid ó sbairn lann!"

Genuflectimus non ad principem sed ad Principem Pacis!

Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name. (Isaiah 49:1 KJV)

8 posted on 09/08/2013 5:14:18 PM PDT by ConorMacNessa (HM/2 USN, 3/5 Marines RVN 1969 - St. Michael the Archangel defend us in Battle!)
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To: SandRat

Good evening, Sand...you are so right.

The Medal of Honor soldiers are always 1st place.

Did you get started on your workshop clean up? ((HUGS))


9 posted on 09/08/2013 5:15:46 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska
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To: Kathy in Alaska

Hi Everybody!

((((HUGS))))


10 posted on 09/08/2013 5:18:13 PM PDT by left that other site (You Shall Know the Truth, and the Truth Shall Set You Free...John 8:32)
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To: Kathy in Alaska; laurenmarlowe; BIGLOOK; alfa6; EsmeraldaA; SandRat; mylife; TMSuchman; PROCON; ...


Welcome To All Who Enter This Canteen, To Our Serving Military, To Our Veterans, To All Military Families, To Our FRiends and To Our Allies!



Missing Man Setting

"The Empty Chair"

By Captain Carroll "Lex" Lefon, USN (RET), on December 21st, 2004

"In the wardroom onboard the aircraft carrier from which I recently debarked was a small, round table, with single chair. No one ever sat there, and the reasons, both for the table being there, and for the fact that the chair was always empty, will tell the reader a little bit about who we are as a culture. The wardroom, of course, is where the officers will dine; morning, noon and evening. It is not only a place to eat – it is also a kind of oasis from the sometimes dreary, often difficult exigencies of the service. A place of social discourse, of momentary relief from the burdens of the day. The only things explicitly forbidden by inviolable tradition in the wardroom are the wearing of a cover or sword by an officer not actually on watch, or conversation which touches upon politics or religion. But aboard ships which observe the custom, another implicit taboo concerns the empty chair: No matter how crowded the room, no matter who is waiting to be seated, that chair is never moved, never taken.

The table is by the main entrance to the wardroom. You will see it when you enter, and you will see it when you leave. It draws your eyes because it is meant to. And because it draws your eyes it draws your thoughts. And though it will be there every day for as long as you are at sea, you will look at it every time and your eyes will momentarily grow distant as you think for a moment. As you quietly give thanks.

AS YOU REMEMBER.

The small, round table is covered with a gold linen tablecloth. A single place setting rests there, of fine bone china. A wineglass stands upon the table, inverted, empty. On the dinner plate is a pinch of salt. On the bread plate is a slice of lemon. Besides the plate lies a bible. There is a small vase with a single red rose upon the table. Around the vase is wound a yellow ribbon. There is the empty chair.

We will remember because over the course of our careers, we will have had the opportunity to enjoy many a formal evening of dinner and dancing in the fine company of those with whom we have the honor to serve, and their lovely ladies. And as the night wears on, our faces will in time become flushed with pleasure of each other’s company, with the exertions on the dance floor, with the effects of our libations. But while the feast is still at its best, order will be called to the room – we will be asked to raise our glasses to the empty table, and we will be asked to remember:

The table is round to show our everlasting concern for those who are missing. The single setting reminds us that every one of them went to their fates alone, that every life was unique.

The tablecloth is gold symbolizing the purity of their motives when they answered the call to duty.

The single red rose, displayed in a vase, reminds us of the life of each of the missing, and their loved ones who kept the faith.

The yellow ribbon around the vase symbolizes our continued determination to remember them.

The slice of lemon reminds us of the bitterness of their fate.
The salt symbolizes the tears shed by those who loved them.
The bible represents the faith that sustained them.
The glass is inverted — they cannot share in the toast.
The chair is empty — they are not here. They are missing.

And we will remember, and we will raise our glasses to those who went before us, and who gave all that they had for us. And a part of the flush in our faces will pale as we remember that nothing worth having ever came without a cost. We will remember that many of our brothers and sisters have paid that cost in blood. We will remember that the reckoning is not over.

We many of us will settle with our families into our holiday season, our Christmas season for those who celebrate it, content in our fortune and prosperity. We will meet old friends with smiles and laughter. We will meet our members of our family with hugs. We will eat well, and exchange gifts and raise our glasses to the year passed in gratitude, and to the year to come with hope. We will sleep the sleep of the protected, secure in our homes, secure in our homeland.

But for many families, there will be an empty chair at the table this year. A place that is not filled.

WE SHOULD REMEMBER."

Many Thanks To Alfa6 For Finding Capt. Lefon's Chronicle Of "The Empty Chair."

"Träumerei"
Robert Schumann
(Click)


Never Forget The Brave Men And Women Who Gave Their Lives To Secure Our Freedom!!








"Riamh nár dhruid ó sbairn lann!"

Genuflectimus non ad principem sed ad Principem Pacis!

Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name. (Isaiah 49:1 KJV)

11 posted on 09/08/2013 5:25:16 PM PDT by ConorMacNessa (HM/2 USN, 3/5 Marines RVN 1969 - St. Michael the Archangel defend us in Battle!)
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To: Kathy in Alaska

Evening, Kathy! How’s the weather?


12 posted on 09/08/2013 5:27:42 PM PDT by MoochPooch (I'm a compassionate cynic.)
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To: ConorMacNessa

Good evening, Mac...*HUGS*...hope your day is going well. And garden time?

Cold, overcast, dreary day today....we opted to stay in.


13 posted on 09/08/2013 5:34:19 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska
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To: All

14 posted on 09/08/2013 5:38:00 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska
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To: Kathy in Alaska

Good evening Kathy,...((HUGS))

Didn’t get started on my workshop clean up. Today was clean and rearrange the house putting out Halloween decorations.


15 posted on 09/08/2013 5:38:51 PM PDT by SandRat (Duty - Honor - Country! What else needs said?)
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To: ConorMacNessa
In first....Mac grabs the gold!!


16 posted on 09/08/2013 5:40:44 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska
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To: SandRat
And a close second....Sand snags the silver!!


17 posted on 09/08/2013 5:44:27 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska
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To: Kathy in Alaska

Kathy, my laptop is stilm;kaskmdfn slkmsd;okijf;akid skdmfo up


18 posted on 09/08/2013 5:47:46 PM PDT by SkyDancer (A white woman would be accused of racism if she gave birth to a white baby.)
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To: Kathy in Alaska

Thank you Kathy and Star.


19 posted on 09/08/2013 5:47:57 PM PDT by mountainlion (Live well for those that did not make it back.)
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To: gorush
And rounding out the top three....gorush bags the bronze!!


20 posted on 09/08/2013 5:50:13 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska
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