Honored By The Marine Corps
This entry was posted on May 9, 2009 8:20 PM and is filed under 2009, Marine Week Chicago ~ May 11 - 17.
I have been working with a few of my Marine buddy's for the past few months on several events for the very first Marine Week Chicago. For the event at Oak Park and River Forest High School on Tuesday May 12, I have been working with the Marines at Great Lakes Naval Base.
One of the duties I have been working on is finding a "Guest of Honor" for this event. According to the Marine Corps, this guest is usually a Governor, or high ranking official, or a highly decorated Marine.
The "Guest of Honor" gets the opportunity to view/inspect the Troops; in this case the USMC Silent Drill Platoon, during the inspection ceremony at the event. I had narrowed my list down to two names; one, a Medal of Honor recipient who served with the Army during the Vietnam War, and the other, a decorated Korean War Marine Veteran.
I found out Friday morning who the Marine Corps chose as their "Guest of Honor" ... below is the letter I received from the Marine Corps
Dear Mr. Cantafio,
The United States Marine Corps is coming toChicago May 11-17, 2009 . Chicago Chicago
Throughout Marine Week Chicago, Marines will volunteer at local non profits, speak at area high-schools, perform concerts and provide physical fitness demonstrations and activities. We will wrap up this celebration with weekend exposition events at
On Tuesday, May 12, 2009, Oak Park and River Forest High School is hosting a performance by the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon and "The Commandant's Own" - The Marine Corps Drum and Bugle Corps at 5:00 PM CST.
Mr. Cantafio, The U. S. Marine Corps respectfully requests your participation as our "Guest of Honor" at this performance to thank you for everything you have done to support the Marine Corps. Your selflessness is an inspiration to many and we would be honored to have the opportunity to thank you for your dedication.
Thank you in advance for your consideration.
Semper Fidelis,
David T. Romley
Major,Director of Community Relations
I have talked with a few of my Marine Corps friends; asking them what exactly I should do? They advised me to accept the honor. They also suggested that after I finish performing at Oak Park and River Forest High School Stadium, I put on a suit, white shirt, put on a tie and make sure my shoes are shined, and I accept the "Guest of Honor" role, and stand with the Marine Corps General Officer and view the Marines as they walk by and salute. Just writing this I am getting a lump in my throat.
This has been one crazy year so far, this is something I would have never expected. I am honored beyond my wildest dreams.
I hope to see a lot of you on May 12 at OPRFHS to help the Chicago area support our Marine Corps.
One of the duties I have been working on is finding a "Guest of Honor" for this event. According to the Marine Corps, this guest is usually a Governor, or high ranking official, or a highly decorated Marine.
The "Guest of Honor" gets the opportunity to view/inspect the Troops; in this case the USMC Silent Drill Platoon, during the inspection ceremony at the event. I had narrowed my list down to two names; one, a Medal of Honor recipient who served with the Army during the Vietnam War, and the other, a decorated Korean War Marine Veteran.
I found out Friday morning who the Marine Corps chose as their "Guest of Honor" ... below is the letter I received from the Marine Corps
Dear Mr. Cantafio,
The United States Marine Corps is coming to
Throughout Marine Week Chicago, Marines will volunteer at local non profits, speak at area high-schools, perform concerts and provide physical fitness demonstrations and activities. We will wrap up this celebration with weekend exposition events at
On Tuesday, May 12, 2009, Oak Park and River Forest High School is hosting a performance by the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon and "The Commandant's Own" - The Marine Corps Drum and Bugle Corps at 5:00 PM CST.
Mr. Cantafio, The U. S. Marine Corps respectfully requests your participation as our "Guest of Honor" at this performance to thank you for everything you have done to support the Marine Corps. Your selflessness is an inspiration to many and we would be honored to have the opportunity to thank you for your dedication.
Thank you in advance for your consideration.
Semper Fidelis,
David T. Romley
Major,Director of Community Relations
I have talked with a few of my Marine Corps friends; asking them what exactly I should do? They advised me to accept the honor. They also suggested that after I finish performing at Oak Park and River Forest High School Stadium, I put on a suit, white shirt, put on a tie and make sure my shoes are shined, and I accept the "Guest of Honor" role, and stand with the Marine Corps General Officer and view the Marines as they walk by and salute. Just writing this I am getting a lump in my throat.
This has been one crazy year so far, this is something I would have never expected. I am honored beyond my wildest dreams.
I hope to see a lot of you on May 12 at OPRFHS to help the Chicago area support our Marine Corps.
Comments
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May 9, 2009 9:34 PM
JoanneMcD wrote:
OMG ... What an honor...congratulations!
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May 9, 2009 9:43 PM
Deb Argel-Bastian wrote:
Joe,
I don't want to say that you deserve this honor as you would say that you don't. For our Gold Star families, you have been an inspiration and a source of help and understanding. Do this for us...for all of us. Love and blessings, Debo
Proud mom of Capt. Derek Argel, USAF CCT, Deployed to heaven on Memorial Day of 2005.
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May 9, 2009 11:05 PM
Anonymous wrote:
I am not surprised at all Joe. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor!
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May 10, 2009 4:47 AM
Kim Pezzavento wrote:
Joe,
Just read your latest entry, and am absolutely thrilled to hear you will be honored by the Marine Corps on Tuesday evening! I don't know if you have any idea how many lives you have touched since you began your "Let Freedom Sing" Tour in 2001... sometimes God puts you in the right place, don't you think? I am also thrilled that my Mom and I will be there to witness this honor on Tuesday in Oak Park. Congratulations Joe!! You certainly deserve it...
Kim
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May 10, 2009 4:58 AM
Phil Dana wrote:
Do it in a manner that would make your cousin proud sir. Do it like a Marine. Chin up, chest out.
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July 3, 2009 2:04 PM
George Papageorgiou wrote:
Joe: Congrats and thanks for supporting the Marines.
Semper Fidelis and Bravo Zulu
George M. Papageorgiou
Maj USMCR(Ret)
OPRF 1975
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