This year’s 9/11 Tribute Dinner is our way of saying “thank you” to our veterans, military members, first responders and their families for their sacrifices while remembering the heroes and victims of 9/11/01.

This year marked our 13th annual dinner and the evening program included:

• Presentation of the Medal of Liberty to the family of LCPL Matthew Rodriguez, US Marine from Fairhaven MA who was killed in action in Helmond Province Afghanistan on December 11, 2013. LCPL Rodriguez’s commanding officer, Major Alexander Mora flew in from California to make the presentation.
• The Honorable Francis J. Larkin Life-Time Achievement Award was presented to Dennis Moschella, Vietnam Veteran and President of Veterans Assisting Veterans.
• Father Paul Clifford, Chaplain Bob Davidson and Rev Ray Pike offered prayers for those who serve, who have lost their lives in service and to the families who love and support them.
• Colors were presented by the Massachusetts 54th Volunteer Infantry, Company A; the Patriot Guard Riders provided the Flag Line; The Old Guard NE presented the Missing Man Table; and The Milford and Medway Fire Departments provided the flag tower.

Mike Rice, an Army Veteran, was our DJ for the evening; the National Anthem was sung by Shanna Jackman; Morven Hunter-Boyce played Amazing Grace on the Bag Pipes and Dick Ferrucci was our MC.

Our guest speaker was SFC Leanna Lynch, a US Army Veteran and who now is the Director of Veteran Relations at Heidrea for Heroes.

Retired New Bedford Fire Chief Roger Nadeau brought metal beam remnants from the World Trade Twin Towers and the badge of Fr. Mychal Judge.

The evening was one of paying respect and thanks, to all our military members, veterans, first responders and their families. It was especially moving to hear our Vietnam Veterans say they feel they are welcomed home at this dinner. Further we were pleased to be able to acknowledge the WWII veterans, women veterans and state representatives who were in attendance. This is what our dinner is all about, remembering and thanking those who have served and continue to serve.  Their daily sacrifices are why we enjoy the freedoms we have.

We could not do what we do without the generous support of you, our donors. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.  Please visit our website (www.thankstoyanks.org), and like us on Facebook to see the good works we do for our military members, veterans and their families throughout the year.

Thanks To Yanks is qualified under Internal Revenue Code Section 501 (c)(3).

Warm regards,

Michael Shain, President and Founder