Agenda of the Tribute to Gold Star Families

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Hosted by Scott and Penny Wheeler and Family and the Elks Lodge in Derby

Welcome to the Elks by Elks member Steve Edgerley

Introduction of Scott Wheeler – master of ceremonies

Posting of the colors – North Country Union High School JROTC

Prayer by Pastor Nathan Strong of Albany – A Gold Star father whose son Jesse was killed in Iraq

National Anthem – Mark Shelton of Brownington

Pledge of Allegiance

Tom Salmon – State Auditor and Iraq War Veteran

U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders

Caroline Heydinger of Vernon a senior at Brattleboro Union High School – second in the National American Legion Oratorical Contest held in Indianapolis in March

Emily Wheeler of Derby, a senior at North Country Union High School – a video tribute to the fallen veterans.

Marion Gray of Calais – Gold Star Mother and Spokesperson for VT’s Fallen Families who lost her son, Jamie, in Iraq

Lt. Abraham Begins of Alpha Troop 1-172 Cav. Mtn. of the Vermont National Guard. He is also an Iraq War veteran.

Ray Griffin of Glover – World II veteran – lost his brother, Everett, in WW II

Carlisle Whitehill of Island Pond - lost her husband, Marshall, in Vietnam

U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy – video tribute

U.S. Congressman Peter Welch – video tribute

Anne  McClaughry – a director with the Ethan Allen Institute who lost an uncle in World War II

Patriotic musical  salulte

Vickie Strong of Albany – Gold Star Mother whose son, Jesse Strong, was killed in Iraq

The musically talented Morrison Family of Lowell

Mia Morrison, 18, will perform on her violin. Mia has performed from Carnegie Hall to China.