Week of Festivities Honoring Those Who Served In Conflicts Past and Present

Posted Dec 6, 2011 by Howard Altman

Updated Dec 6, 2011 at 11:39 AM

This week, as the nation commemorates the 70th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, there are several events for veterans of conflicts past and present.

On Wednesday, Dec. 7, there will be fundraising events at two Beef O’ Brady’s locations for Marine Cpl. Mike Nicholson.

On July 6, 2011, while on patrol in Afghanistan, Nicholson and his squad were under attack. An I.E.D. (Improvised Explosive Device) was detonated and Nicholson suffered severe injuries, losing both legs and half of his left arm. The rehabilitation over the last four months at Bethesda Naval Hospital has been very painful and challenging.

Nicholson is making significant progress, but a long, hard road remains ahead.

Beef ‘O’ Brady’s locations at 2819 South MacDill Avenue and 4516 South Dale Mabry Highway will donate 10% of sales toward the Michael Nicholson Road to Recovery Fund.. 

Additional donations can be sent to:

Michael Nicholson Road to Recovery
C/O Alley, Clark and Griewe, PA.
PO Box 3127
Tampa, FL 33601

On Thurs., Dec. 8, French Consul General, Mr. Gaël de Maisonneuve and the Chief of the French Detachment at U.S. Central Command - Rear Admiral Patrick Martin - will award the insignias of “Chevalier dans l’Ordre National de la Légion d’Honneur” (Knight in the National Order of the Legion of Honor”*) to 13 U.S. veterans who fought alongside France during World War II.
The ceremony will take place 4:30 p.m. at 2101 Florida Keys Ave., on MacDill Air Force Base.

*LA LEGION D’HONNEUR - THE FRENCH LEGION OF HONOUR

The highest French distinction
Created to reward eminent military and civil merits in the service of France, the “Légion d’Honneur” (Legion of Honour) is the highest distinction that can be conferred in France on a French citizen as well as on a foreigner.

Origin Founded in 1802 by Napoléon Bonaparte, First Consul (a position he occupied from 1799 to 1804), the Legion of Honour is one of his most important creations with the Napoleonic Code.

Also on Dec. 8, fresh-cut Christmas trees will be given away on MacDill Air Force Base at Bldg. 72 parking lot, located across the street from the golf clubhouse.

From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., trees will be given to active duty military/reservists/their families. From 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. the give-away will be open to anyone with base access.

There is a one-tree-per family limit.

This is a first come, first serve basis. MacDill officials are asking managers/SNCOs give priority to junior troops and encourage them to come early.

On Fri., Dec. 10, the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell will be the site for Wreaths Across America, a holiday wreath-laying ceremony to honor and remember our Nation’s Veterans.  The U.S. Military Vets Motorcycle Club is hosting the event to honor Veterans of each branch of the military, the Merchant Marines, as well as Prisoners of War, and those still Missing in Action (POW/MIA).

“Wreaths Across America is a worthwhile volunteer program that has grown the last few years” says Kurt Rotar, Director at Florida National Cemetery. “It is the communities’ way of showing honor and gratitude to all our veterans buried at your national cemetery during this holiday season.” Seating is limited so please bring a chair if you are attending the ceremony

Wreath laying at gravesites will be between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.  Following the wreath laying, everyone will gather at the flag assembly area for the ceremony that will begin promptly at 11:45 a.m. culminating with the ceremonial wreath presentation at 12:00 p.m.  If you are unable to attend, please participate by taking a moment of silence at the noon hour to reflect on the sacrifices made by the men and women of our armed forces.

For more information, contact Kurt Rotar, Cemetery Director at (352) 793-7740.