12th Year For Purple Heart Memorial Race

[MichiganDale]

Okay, since others have commented on it and brought it up, here's the deal.   On Saturday, April 6th, my wife and I will host the 12th Annual Harold Zahn Purple Heart Memorial Race at Balmoral Park.  I like to call it another "D & L Production!"  Harold was my own hero, my dad, he was a grandfather, a husband and very importantly a great fan of Harness Racing.   He died with a live betting voucher in his pocket and was in his daily perch in the second floor clubhouse only a couple days before he passed.  In fact, I was there with him just seven days before he died at the age of 79 in February, 2002.  He was a fixture at the races both live and for simulcasting in the clubhouse on the second floor where he could be found with his hot black coffee, his cigarettes and his programs.  A three-pronged walker helped him get around in his final days......
In April 2002 we launched the idea of a Memorial Race at dad's 'home away from home' and we knew he'd be proud.   It was a small family affair then, the wife and I popped for the blanket and all the drivers dad was known to wager on signed a whip that I have on the all in my office to this day......Tony Morgan won the first Memorial Race, he knew it was special to us and he 'drove to win!'   A great night!  Ever since its inception I got to announce the post parade and explain a little bit about Harold, a WWII paratrooper and Purple Heart recipient who is buried some 15 minutes from Balmoral.   Dick Siegel called me just today to let me know the traditional purple and white blanket was being shipped today for presentation in the winners circle the night of the race.
My daughter, Harold's granddaughter MandyZ will be on hand to perform the National Anthem 'live' from the winners circle with a Purple Hear Color Guard behind her.   Mandy has come a long way, is a award winning singer, is a BMI songwriter and her recordings have been getting airplay in Milwaukee and Nashville where she made her debut at Tootsies last November.   Can Chicago radio be next?  Harold would be very proud.  My son, his wife and two great-granddaughters of Harold will also be attending.....
Over the years we've hosted many guests, some dignitaries, this year will be no exception.   We want to broadcast it loud and clear that its not just about Harold, its a tribute to ALL U.S. Veterans, and those that have received a Purple Heart.  We can't thank those men and women enough.

So there you have it.....if members of ITS care to be part of this, or just want to stop by and say hello, by all means do so.   It would be our pleasure to see you and make your acquaintance if we don't already know you.   

[Just Saying]

I was in Tootsie's Orchid Lounge back in my musician days. Fun place that was a total dump, but all the Grand Ole Opry acts hung out in there. (they could walk out of the Ryman auditorium back door into Tootsies) Tootsie was a hoot... you never knew what was coming out of her mouth next.

Congrats to Mandy, and to Dale for honoring the veterans.

[Mags]

A super thought Dale..look forward to making it out there and will stop by to say hello

[careless hal]

Will try and make it out there.  My grandfather was a Purple Heart veteran from WW1.  Great tradition you started Dale.

[MichiganDale]

Will try and make it out there.  My grandfather was a Purple Heart veteran from WW1.  Great tradition you started Dale.

. I salute your grandfather Careless Hal.  If not for these great young men there would be no tradition to start....no forums like this to take part in. 

[AmyHollar]

I think this is very honorable.....very American! 

[MichiganDale]

I think this is very honorable.....very American! 

    Just know that the Hollar Clan is cordially invited to make a day trip and join us on that Saturday night since you won't be pursuing victory at the Route 8 Emporium of Fine Racing in beautiful suburban Cleveland!      

[Jeremy]

Awesome Andrea just won. A bit off topic

[AmyHollar]

    Just know that the Hollar Clan is cordially invited to make a day trip

Thanks Dale!  I'll be entertaining family from across The Pond. 

[Headpole Dave]

Great job keeping harness racing and family together. Very classy, and a good way to honor family.

[MichiganDale]

Awesome Andrea just won. A bit off topic

. I miss that mare.  Part of the business and hindsight is 20-20 meaning she should not have been in a claimer.  Hope was I finally had a horse to drive and be a bit competetive and damn I never got to sit behind her.   

[Max R]

This is a very special even and I am proud to call Dale Zahn a friend. I will certainly be in attendance and stop by your table

Your dad was a great war hero. To Harold and all of our  veterans I want the give my hearfelt thanks.

And Dale, your dad would be very proud of you and your lovely daughter. She has come a long say in her career.

All I can say is thank you for being one of the true good guys

  ........

[Max R]

Very happy to say that I will be in Crete that night for the Zahn Memorial

A very big thank you to Dale Zahn for giving our servicemen the accolades and attention they deserve.

I look forward to seeing many familier faces, and looking forward to a festive evening. Dale, we all owe you all the thanks in the world. 

[MichiganDale]

Very happy to say that I will be in Crete that night for the Zahn Memorial

A very big thank you to Dale Zahn for giving our servicemen the accolades and attention they deserve.

I look forward to seeing many familier faces, and looking forward to a festive evening. Dale, we all owe you all the thanks in the world. 

. 
You are very kind in your remarks.  No need to thank me.....just thank the vets.  Its all about them.  There will be a news release about the event in about a week.  I'm just one guy.....there are lots of great men and women that serve, have served or simply show the recognition our servicemen and women richly deserve.  Right here on ITS for example....Just Saying for example comes to mind.  Does a great job in his hometown serving veterans.  Its not about him...he does not do it for himself but rather for others.  I'm just a patriots son that started a small remembrance that has grown.  Are you (or anyone else for that matter) wanting to join us for dinner or just stopping by?  In either case, I'd be happy to buy you a drink.

[Just Saying]

. 
Just Saying for example comes to mind.  Does a great job in his hometown serving veterans.  Its not about him...he does not do it for himself but rather for others. 

Just a point of clarification: I'm not a veteran and will never pretend to be one. I just feel that I owe the freedom my family enjoys because of them, which is why I volunteer to be the treasurer and fundraiser at our local VFW. 100% of all our net proceeds go to veteran's causes... we're all unpaid. Hats off to Mr & Mrs Dale for honoring the Purple Heart Veterans.