Aloha to the RT Booklovers' Convention - Day 7: SOS America Military Tribute

 

Sunday morning brought readers together for the SOS America Miliatry Tribute.  I opened the event with a discussion of unit coins:

- Lindsay McKenna recieved John Baca's coin from Anne Elizabeth.  Baca is a Vietnam veteran who was awarded the Medal of Honor.  

- Kathyrn Falk wears the coin she received from Donald Rumsfeld, Secretary of Defense, after organizing readers to support deployed personnel.

- Tamara Argyle shared the coin she received from Admiral Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, during her service in Afghanistan.

Julie Rowe presented Kathryn with a Canadian minted coin commemorating the Devil's Bridgade.

I noted that Baltimore will be celebrating a special anniversary this year ... on September 14, 1814, Francis Scott Key awoke from the overnight bombardment of Fort McHenry to see Old Glory still flying.  He composed a poem that became our national anthem.  I asked Eileen Dreyer to lead us in Star Spangled Banner.  

US Flag that survived the
British bombardment of Fort McHenry
Image in Public Domain (link)

I reminded the audience this year was the 100th anniversary of the start of World War I when the Austrian Hungarian forces invaded Serbia, plunging Europe into a bloodbath.  I asked Australians Megan and Andrew Bamford to share the significance of ANZAC Day.  From Wikipedia (link),

ANZAC Day marks the anniversary of the first campaign (in Gallipoli, Turkey) that led to major casualties for Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War. The acronym ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, whose soldiers were known as Anzacs. 

Megan added that veterans march in the parade along side the descendents of those who have already passed away to remember their service.  Thus, the parade participants is growing, rather than shrinking, in remembering ANZAC Day.

I invited those associated with each service to come forward to sing:

- Anchors Aweigh (Navy)

- Semper Paratus (Always Ready - Coast Guard)

- Halls of Montezuma (Marine Corps)

- Caissons Go Rolling Along (Army)

- Wild Blue Yonder (Air Force)

The Coast Guard was the smallest group; the Army was the largest.  Everyone enjoyed it!

I debuted the photo montage I created with pictures submitted by readers at this link.   Please share it with your family and friends - my goal is 500 views to remember those who served.

I thank the following for their contribution:

- Sara Jane Lowe for the military swag, Hawaiian Host chocolate treats, and helping me "spoon" the Normandy sand into ziplock bags for the goody bags.  

- Tamara Argyle and Pamela W. for helping me to stuff the goody bags.

- Diana Cosby for candy for the the goody bags.

- Julie Rowe, Ruth A Casie, and Sharon Hamilton for swag for the goody bags.

-  Heather Ashby, Kimberly Kincaid, and Ophelia London for bookmarks for the goody bags.

- Tracy Solheim and Penguin Books for donating Out of Bounds series as door prizes.

- Terry Spear for donating Heart of the Wolf series as door prizes.

- Leigh Duncan for donating copies of SECOND CHANCE FAMILY as door prizes.

- Jane Elissa for donating several "NY" themed items as door prizes.

- Lacey Falcone for donating the Ritter chocolate which she mailed from Germany.

- Lisa B. for donating four "Soldier's Prayer" throw blankets as door prizes.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City