American Valor Quarterly Issue 2 - Spring 2008 | Page 4

The American Veterans Center Presents The 10th Annual Veterans Conference From November 8-10, 2007, America’s greatest military heroes, past and present, converged on Washington, DC for the American Veterans Center’s 10th Annual Veterans Conference. What began a decade ago as a small gathering of World War II veterans has grown into one of the nation’s largest and most visible Veterans Day celebrations. Throughout the three days of the conference, distinguished veterans of World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and those young men and women serving us today shared their experiences and lessons on leadership with an audience of hundreds of people—most importantly several hundred high school and college students, who must be counted on to carry the legacy of those who have served in the past into the future. In addition to three days of speakers and panels, the conference featured wreath laying ceremonies at our nation’s war memorials, evening receptions in honor of America’s heroes and those who have been wounded in the line of duty, and the American Veterans Center’s 10th Annual Awards Banquet, which paid tribute to our greatest service members from every generation. Over the next few pages, we would like to share with our readers a recap of the event, featuring photos and highlights of the weekend. Following that, we are proud to include the citations for the American Veterans Center’s 2007 award recipients, as we honor their devotion to duty both on and off the battlefield. If you would like information on attending the Center’s 11th Annual Veterans Conference, to be held from November 6-8, 2008 in Washington, DC, call 703-3021012 ext. 203 or e-mail [email protected]. Throughout the 10th Annual Conference, veterans of all eras spoke to the assembled audience about their experiences. Topics ranged from D-Day, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa during World War II to the Battle of Chosin Reservoir during the Korean War and the Battle of Ia Drang during the Vietnam War, and to the Battle of Fallujah during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pictured left is a panel devoted to men who have received our nation’s highest military award - the Medal of Honor. It was followed by a panel consisting of the most highly decorated service members of Iraq and Afghanistan, demonstrating that valor lives among all generations of Americans. While the conference provides an opportunity for the public and fellow veterans to meet America’s military heroes, the main purpose of the event is, and will continue to be, to expose the younger generation to the lessons that can only be learned by those who have served. Pictured right, several hundred high school and ROTC students join the conference to listen to a panel consisting of men from “The Band of Brothers” in World War II. By meeting these celebrated veterans, students gain a new interest in learning about the sacrifices made by the World War II generation, and those who have served since. American Valor Quarterly - Spring 2008 - 4