We Can Be Heroes D-Day Tribute Filled to Capacity

D-Day Tribute Filled to Capacity
Crowd Honors Heroes

Saturday morning, June 4th, the WE CAN BE HEROES FOUNDATION hosted a D-Day Tribute to Our Heroes at the Jacksonville FL Salem Centre. The Auditorium was filled to capacity. The guest of Honor was D-Day Purple Heart Veteran Frank Purpura of Jacksonville.

When World War II Veteran Purpura was 18 years old, he was aboard the LST 356 while his and many other ships loaded with men, supplies, and ammunition began their deployment to France’s beaches in terrible stormy weather for the D-Day invasion on June 6, 1944. Purpura was struck with shrapnel from flying debris, patched up, and quickly returned to duty. As a Higgins boat driver, he then made over 50 trips between Utah, Sword, and the other Normandy beaches. The LST 356 participated in several different actions earning three battle stars.

Councilman Al Ferraro presented Frank Purpura with Jacksonville City Council’s Certificate of Commendation for his service to veterans and the community. Currently, Purpura is an active and the oldest member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 524.

Pupura with Councilman Al Ferraro Pupura with We Can Be Heroes President Beth Heath

Retired Navy Captain and Historian James Ransom III treated attendees with captivating stories and pictures of the D-Day invasion, Unsung Heroes of the invasion, and the founding of the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, VA.

Following the Heroes of D-Day presentation, police and community heroes were recognized. Jacksonville Sheriff’s Assistant Chief Chris King introduced 2021 Police Officer of the Year Jean Kleber and Assistant Chief Josh Benoit introduced the 2021 Corrections Officer of the Year Edwin Rivera. The outstanding accomplishments of Officers Kleber and Rivera were above and beyond the call of duty.

Several Unsung Heroes were recognized for their sacrifices for the good of their neighbors, their country, and its future by the We Can Be Heroes Foundation President Beth Heath and We Can Be Heroes Foundation National Spokesman C. S. Bennett. Each of the following Unsung Heroes was presented with the Foundation’s “Thanks to the Unsung Hero Who Lives Here” yard sign:

The late Jacksonville Navy Chief Petty Officer Clarence Roach, was a role model, community volunteer, and mentor. Accepting for CPO Roach was his Gold Star Wife Takima Porter-Roach.
Maryland’s Volunteer Extraordinaire Barbara Montgomery was nominated on three occasions in 2022 for 54 years of work in establishing and serving the Waldorf Little League; decades of volunteer service with a Senior Center, a Public Library book sales program, Rural Carriers Charity fundraising, and service as Judge for an Election Precinct.
Jacksonville’s Jodi Tipton, a volunteer for decades assisting those in need, youth and senior citizens, and delivering flowers to shut-ins, lonely residents, and schools. Tipton was instrumental in creating the popular Jacksonville Beaches Sunshine Park with her late husband Bob.
Interlachen’s Carolyn Bennett, a visionary leader, and volunteer for decades in over twenty community service and government organizations for the youth, elderly, and those in physical or spiritual need.

The unforgettable event included a catered brunch followed by the Atlantic Coast Young Marines presenting colors and the Let Freedom Sing Choir. Tables were designated in honor of veterans and community heroes and decorated by loved ones.

In closing, Frank Purpura said “Thank you for being here today. I am humbled to be remembered and to be in the presence of so many heroes.”

To nominate a hero in your life, or to learn more about the important work happening at the We Can Be Heroes Foundation, visit www.WeCanBeHeroesFoundation.org.