Salem Centre Auditorium – 7235 Bently Road – Jacksonville
Guest of Honor – D-Day Purple Heart Veteran Frank Purpura
Frank Purpura – World War II Frank Purpura – Now
Keynote Speaker & Historian Captain James Ransom III, USN, Ret.
and We Can Be Heroes Announcement of Unsung Hero Nominees
Hear captivating stories of D-Day, the Climactic Battle of World War II.
Opportunity to meet, chat with and dine with World War II, D-Day, and Purple Heart Veterans, Gold Star Families, Unsung Heroes, Atlantic Coast Young Marines and the Let Freedom Sing Choir.
Reserve a dining table in memory or in honor of a D-Day, World War II, and other U.S. Veterans, First Responder or Unsung Hero you know or admire. Tables can be reserved for your family, group, or organization. A table placard honoring your hero will highlight your table.
$30 per person / $155 Table for 6 / $205 Table for 8
Veterans & Gold Star Families receive 10% discount. Tickets Donated to Veterans and Gold Star Spouses receive 10% discount
Donors of tickets to Veterans and Gold Star Spouses will be included in the highly publicized Circular of Gratitude honoring the U. S. Military and Veterans.
About the Guest of Honor Frank Purpura: On the evening of June 5, 1944, Frank Purpura was aboard LST 356 while his and many other ships loaded men, supplies, and ammunition and began their deployment to France’s beaches in terrible stormy weather for the invasion on June 6, 1944. Omaha Beach was their first stop. 18-year-old Frank Purpura was a Higgins boat driver that unloaded soldiers on the beaches; while en route to the beach on his first trip he was struck above his right eye with shrapnel from flying debris. He was patched up and quickly returned to his duty. He then made over 50 trips between Utah, Sword, and the other beaches delivering the men, ammunition, and supplies. LST 356 participated in several different actions earning three battle stars. Frank Purpura actively serves as the oldest Patriot of the Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 524, marching in Veteran’s Day parade, leading and helping with fundraising , and holding Chapter meetings in his home when the current facility was under repair. Guest of Honor Frank Purpura deserves your thanks for his patriotism and honorable service for others.
About the Keynote Speaker James Ransom. Captain Ransom is a graduate of the U. S. Naval Academy. He holds a B.S. in History and an M.A. in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College. He served as a submarine officer following a career that included commanding USS MIAMI during strike operations against Iraq and Serbia. He was awarded the Bronze Star and his crew was recognized with 1999 Battenberg Cup, awarded to the best ship in the Atlantic Fleet. He is an adjunct professor for the Naval War College’s College of Distance Education, teaching the Strategy & War Fleet Seminar in Mayport. Captain Ransom’s presentation on D-Day will be unforgettable.
NOTE: Refunds cannot be issued after May 30 when food ordered.
Mail checks to: We Can Be Heroes Foundation
14286-19 Beach Blvd., #120, Jacksonville, FL 32250
Info: 904 373-8817
FLORIDA REGISTRATION #CH48313 A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435- 7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
