Table of Honor

The Table of Honor in the picture above was set to represent the patriots who gave their lives while fighting for our country.

The table was set at the banquet on May 2, 2009 in the Hilton Wilmington Riverside in Wilmington, North Carolina.  The occasion was the NC Department Convention of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. Chapters throughout North Carolina and South Carolina were there for the annual meeting to conduct business and elect officers.

The Military Order of the Purple Heart was chartered by Congress in 1958. Chapters are made up of members who received a Purple Heart Medal in wars from WWII to the present wars on terror in Iraq and Afghanistan. 

One highlight of the banquet was the announcement of "Patriot of the Year". This year the decision went to Daniel T. McGinley of Fayetteville.  Patriot McGinley is founder and past commander of the Fort Bragg Chapter 2226. McGinley, seated beside his wife Chome in the second picture below, is an enthusiastic organizer and worker for the 160 members in the Fort Bragg chapter.

In order to understand the character of this man, consider his history. McGinley served in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam.  Between and after these wars, he finished college, formed successful businesses, and wrote several books. When his age was 40 in 1967, he endured bureaucratic obstacles and incurred considerable personal expense to return to active duty and serve in Vietnam. There he fought as a Green Beret in the mountains and jungles for almost three years and received a second Combat Medical Badge.  "Can do" is an always attitude possessed by Patriot McGinley.

As you observe the upcoming Memorial Day holiday, I encourage you to think about the "Missing Man Table of Honor" setting in the top picture and reflect upon the men and women who died for the freedom we enjoy.

Click on pictures to enlarge.

Have a good week!