Sold-out Veterans Inaugural Ball features vows for resolve, inspiring speakers and celebratory atmosphere.
Nearly two dozen Medal of Honor recipients were honored during The American Legion’s sold-out Veterans Inaugural Ball – Salute to Heroes on Jan. 20.
“Seventy years and 15 presidents later, the Salute to Heroes Inaugural Ball remains a rare and inspiring opportunity to honor those who have selflessly proven their patriotism without regard to their own safety,” American Legion National Commander James A. LaCoursiere Jr. said. “Medal of Honor recipients symbolize what it means to be a great American through their sacrifice, valor and service. We are all proud to honor them on the evening we also install a new United States president.”
The Salute to Heroes ball, which was attended by 22 Medal of Honor recipients, also featured special guests such as military leaders, high-ranking government officials and other influentials in the military and veterans community. The ball is a tradition that began in 1953 when Dwight D. Eisenhower attended on the night of his presidential inauguration.
Army veteran Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, introduced the Medal of Honor recipients.
“They sacrificed for the freedoms we hold dear,” said Ernst, an American Legion member. “They acted with courage in extremely volatile situations. They all served with extraordinary valor. And, as every single one of them will tell you, they wear the medal for the real heroes — those who made the ultimate sacrifice.”
Master Chief Special Warfare Operator Britt Slabinski, president of the Medal of Honor Society, represented his fellow recipients.
“Tonight marks not only a celebration of leadership but a call to action for all of us,” he said. “We are ushering in a new chapter, a new era filled with promise and opportunity. Let us look forward with resolve, inspired by the sacrifices that have brought us here. These sacrifices demand more than remembrance — they demand action. They call on us to live lives worthy of the freedoms we enjoy and to preserve and pass on the spirit of Americanism that binds us together.”
Rep. Ryan Zinke, R-Mont., recalled about growing up in the small town of Whitefish where veterans from earlier wars would lead commemorations on Memorial Day and Veterans Day. But he noted one exception.
“It was different for our Vietnam brothers and sisters,” said the former Navy SEAL. “They were spit on. They burned their uniforms. But today we have another generation who are coming home. And they also have a hard time integrating back. And we have an opportunity unlike our World War II veterans, who sometimes shunned our Vietnam veterans. We should learn from the past. We are one family with a dedicated mission.”
Emily Compagno, co-host of “Outnumbered” on FOX News Channel, served as the event’s emcee. Compagno recalled family members who served, including her father, who was a commander in the Navy. In her opening address, she also talked about when she was a cheerleader for the National Football League’s Oakland Raiders, and was one of five NFL cheerleaders selected for a special USO tour to Iraq and Kuwait.
“As I stand before you, with my whole family represented inside of me and this whole country’s support within, I cannot think of any place I would rather be tonight,” she said.
In partnership with the Presidential Inaugural Committee, the Legion received support from the Veterans Inaugural Committee, which includes representatives of Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Vietnam Veterans of America, Jewish War Veterans and the Marine Corps League.
The event, which took place at the Westin DC Downtown, also featured:
· Donna Hoffmeier, Senior Vice President of Strategic Communications and Advocacy for TriWest Healthcare Alliance. “Many of us here tonight swore an oath to defend the Constitution, our nation and the freedoms that come with being a citizen of this great nation,” the Navy veteran said. “Events like today’s presidential inauguration remind us all not just of the importance of our great democracy, but also the service and sacrifice of those who have given so much to preserve that democracy for future generations.”
· Jeff DiLullo, CEO for Philips North America, who is an Army Ranger veteran and West Point graduate. “We gather here tonight as we celebrate the most free and powerful nation on Earth,” he said. “Today, we restored – and elevated — the strength of our democracy. This is a nation that always fights for what is right and for what is good.
· Gary Tomasulo, vice president for Corporate Security and the Chief Security Officer at American Airlines. “We take our mission to support those who serve in the military very seriously,” the retired Coast Guard officer said. “It’s because of their unwavering commitment to service and sacrifice that we’re able to fly freely around the world.”
· Retired nineteenth Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force JoAnne Bass. “I want to thank The American Legion for hosting this extraordinary event tonight and for their unwavering support of our more than 1.3 million active-duty service members, their families, and the 20 million veterans across this great nation.”
In closing, Campagno expressed gratitude for all who made the event possible.
“What a privilege to have our Medal of Honor recipients here, and all of you who made this special event one for the ages,” she said. “Thank you, with all I am, for choosing me to serve as your emcee. I thank God every day for the honor of serving as a small messenger for great Americans like you. And I pray every day to be the kind of American worth fighting for.”
- Honor & Remembrance