Medal of Honor Gala
Wednesday is a day I will long remember. Shortly after 9 a.m., the crew of the Luna Danns crossed the Charleston to Bermuda finish line, and I completed my first open ocean regatta— a dream I’ve had since I was a little girl. The last 10 hours of the race were like a nonstop ride aboard Space Mountain, but with frequent dousings of very cold sea spray. It was a wild time on the high seas! I was back in Charleston by late afternoon, which was just enough time to rinse of the salt, throw on a dress, and head to the dinner on the flight deck of the USS Yorktown in honor of the refurbished Medal of Honor Museum and the 110 Congressional Medal of Honor recipients alive today.
More than 1,000 attendees took part in the festivities, which were presided over by national television news anchor Brian Williams. The Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force. The crowd fell silent during the short video presentation, which featured many of the honorees and the incredibly moving first hand accounts of their wartime experiences. In a day and age when the term “war” is such a polarizing term, it was an incredible opportunity to stand and applaud the men who’ve so gallantly risked life and limb protecting American freedom.
The bridge of the Yorktown was illuminated with a changing kaleidoscope of color, while gobo lights projected stars onto the side of the ship. The flight deck truly is one of the most spectacular event venues in Charleston thanks to its unending views of the bridge and the downtown skyline. After the dinner and presentation, guests made their way aft where the East Coast Party Band cranked out a variety of dance songs.
The museum opens to the public this evening and will be celebrated with a fireworks display. Tickets ($15) are on sale via etix.com and the Patriots Point Gift Shop.
Caritas.
Ida
