The 12th Annual Thanks To Yanks Tribute 9/11 Dinner was held on September 11, 2018 and full to capacity. This special non-political was a free tribute dinner recognizing all military members, veterans and their families, including Blue and Gold Star families.  This event was simply a way to thank our military and emergency personnel for the sacrifices they make in order to ensure our freedoms and safety while remembering the heroes and victims of 9/11/01. In 2006, the first Tribute Dinner hosted 120 guests and this year’s dinner hosted 450 guests. This year’s program included the following:

• Flag Line with Patriot Guard Riders and Massachusetts 54th Volunteer Infantry, Company A
• Flag Tower with Milford and Medway Fire Departments
• 9/11 Artifact and Badge of FDNY Chaplain Father Mychal Judge
• Master of Ceremonies, Mr. Dick Ferrucci
• Musical Host, Mr. Michael Rice
• Welcome, Mr. Michael Shain, President & Founder, Thanks To Yanks
• Presentation of Colors, Massachusetts 54th Volunteer Infantry, Company A
• National Anthem and Tribute Song, Ms. Shanna Jackman
• Missing Man Table Ceremony, Old Guard New England
• Blessing of our Heroes, Rabbi Rachel Gurevitz, Ph.D., Congregation B’nai Shalom, Westborough, MA
• Medal of Liberty Ceremony, presented by Ms. Mary Connolly, Blue to Gold Liaison, Blue Star Mothers Eastern MA Chapter and Brigadier General Francis Magurn, Massachusetts National Guard Awarded to families of: 1LT Thomas Haggerty, West Harwich, MA and SFC Russell Smith, Jr., Fall River MA
• Bag Pipes, Ms. Debbie Kane and Ms. Morven Hunter-Boyce
• Grace, Fire Chaplain Bob Davidson
• The Honorable Francis J Larkin Lifetime Achievement Award to Marine Veteran  Mr. John MacGillivray.
• Closing Remarks, Ms. Donnalee Shain, Vice President & Chairman of the Board, Thanks To Yanks
• Benediction, Father Paul Clifford, St. Francis of Assisi, Braintree, MA
• Colors Retired, Massachusetts 54th Volunteer Infantry, Company A

Thanks To Yanks president and founder, Michael Shain said, “This year’s dinner we are paying special tribute to two of our own that gave the ultimate sacrifice. No words can express our appreciation to their families who joined us at the dinner.”

Photos were taken by DHouse Photography

Thank you to all of our sponsors.