Have Yourself A Patriotic Christmas
This entry was posted on December 3, 2007 10:58 AM and is filed under Freedom.
In more than a few ways, I love the Christmas Holiday Season. I love the time I spend with my daughters. I love turkey and pumpkin pie and the giving spirit that seems to be in the air, only at this time of year.
Tonight I have the honor of singing our "National Anthem" at the Northwestern University VS Arkansas State men's basketball game. Northwestern is honoring the troops at tonight's game. I have been asked to wear the desert-tan colored camouflage uniform-top I received when we entertained the troops in Iraq. The game will be aired on WGN-Radio (AM-720 in the Chicago area,) but I'm not sure if they will broadcast the singing of the "National Anthem."
I realize that the uniform-top I am wearing tonight is out-dated. ... In fact, the Iraqi Military is now wearing those uniforms and our troops are now wearing a green-colored camouflage uniform; however, I don't think anyone will mistake me as a member of the Iraqi Military!
My Forgotten Heroes (www.USAForgottenHeroes.com) partner/dear friend/personal hero, Bob Kolling and I get a special pleasure out of producing a special Forgotten Heroes Concert Series at Hines VA Hospital in Maywood, Illinois at this time of year.
Below is the line-up for this weeks shows:
Tuesday, December 4, 2:00 PM
Denise Brigham, Cabaret the Modern Way
Lovely and very talented, Denise sings show-tune classics as well as classic standards. Stepping up and entertaining the people who made America great is something she is look forward too. Denise had the troops mesmerized at her first performance in August and she is back by popular demand.
Wednesday, December 5, 2:00 PM
Jimmy Nightclub, The best of the "Rat Pack."
Former professional drummer (Wayne Cochran) and former Chicago Police officer, Jimmy "Nightclub" Rode puts everyone in a great mood with his talent and zest for life. Being a former 1st responder, Jimmy jumped at the opportunity to entertain the great veterans at Hines VA Hospital. In August, Jimmy delighted the veterans with his "Rat Pack" repertoire and his humorous story-telling. He is back by popular demand.
Thursday, December 6, 2:00 PM
Joe Cantafio - Jon Brant, Classic rock, acoustic
Joe has entertained all over the world, including Iraq, for our troops. When it comes to entertaining our forgotten heroes, he is a staple at Hines VA. Joe will be joined by former Cheap Trick bassist Jon Brant, who also entertained the troops overseas with Joe in 2004. Joining Joe and Jon will be Persian Gulf War veteran Marc Chmielewski, who is a singer/guitarist.
Friday, December 7, 2:00 PM
Jim and Sylvia Bender, America's Favorite Music Standards
Jim Bender is a decorated Korean War Veteran. He served with the Marines and is known for his heroics as one of the "Chosin Few." Besides being a war hero, Jim sings and his wife Sylvia plays the piano. They will perform some of the most beloved music standards such as, "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and "The Day's of Wine and Rose." In August, Jim and Silvia had everyone at their performance singing along and were requested back as soon as their schedules allowed.
On Monday, December 10th I'll be back at Hines at 2:00 PM to perform at a special Holiday Party.
If you are in the area and would like to come to Hines VA to say hello and thank our veterans, or to drop off some Christmas or Holiday cards, you are more than welcome. I know Bob, myself and especially the Veterans would LOVE to see you.
Don't forget the men and women who cashed the check and paid for your freedom, especially during the Christmas Holiday Season.
God bless our troops ... God bless our veterans. Trust me, do a little extra for our Vet's and your turkey and pumpkin pie will taste a little better this year.
On Monday, December 10th I'll be back at Hines at 2:00 PM to perform at a special Holiday Party.
If you are in the area and would like to come to Hines VA to say hello and thank our veterans, or to drop off some Christmas or Holiday cards, you are more than welcome. I know Bob, myself and especially the Veterans would LOVE to see you.
Don't forget the men and women who cashed the check and paid for your freedom, especially during the Christmas Holiday Season.
God bless our troops ... God bless our veterans. Trust me, do a little extra for our Vet's and your turkey and pumpkin pie will taste a little better this year.