12th Year For Purple Heart Memorial Race

[MichiganDale]

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.
 

Yes, I knew that about JS and I too am a non-veteran that does my thing same as my Illinois friend does to honor the vets.   Truth be known, its something I wish I could have done - I had actually applied for Air Force ROTC (dear old dad was disappointed it wasn't ARMY!) but got nixed due to high blood pressure!   That was the first time I ever knew I had that medical issue that has been under control ever since with the proper BP medication.   Back when I was in my early 20's I was 'thinking big' and had this grand idea that I'd go into the service, do 20+ years, retire as a General or something like that and live happily ever after....never happened so by not being a vet, this is the least I can do along with my dear wife to keep things in proper perspective and say Thanks to these men and women.  Keep in mind folks, all this hoopla is not about 'us' its about THEM.  They've earned the respect and our admiration.

[Max R]

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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.

I'll be stopping by and perhaps you are more deserving of that drink which I would be glad to buy for you. Looking forward to the entire night. I will be there with the wife and then we will be off to Houston in the morning.

Good luck and best wishes to your daughter as well singing our National Anthem. I am happy to hear of her career taking off, and Iwould love to know if she is scheduled to be in the Houston or Nashville area's in the near future. Im sure the kids would love to see her in person. She's an excellent performer if the You Tube videos are any indication.

All the best to you and the family and thanks again

[careless hal]

We can't do enough for our Vets.  I also am not a veteran.  Had heart problems when a boy and was classified 1Y.  Failed the physical 4 times.
Last summer I was a volunteer at the Valor Game for disabled vets.  I was helping with the bicycle races.  One gal had only one limb, her right hand left and that is what she used to pedal the bike. I did get to talk with many of the vets and it is an inspiration to see how they are coping with their disabilities.  They deserve our admiration and support.

[Max R]

Good luck to Mr. Zahn in his preparations for this week's event. Many thanks  for honoring those who have protected this nation. Our Vets do not often  get the recognition they deserve. You are to be commended sir.

[careless hal]

Best of luck this Saturday with your event Dale.   

[MichiganDale]

Thank you.   Look forward to seeing some ITS folks on Saturday.   As a sidebar, tomorrow, April 2nd would have been Harold's 91st birthday. So many times I recall the vet's, the purple hearters in particular, hanging out on the apron at Washington Park and Balmoral.   Those fellas were a great bunch.

[MichiganDale]

Here is the News Release as it appeared on the USTA site that I promised to post when it became available...

http://xwebapp.ustrotting.com/absolutenm/templates/article.aspx?articleid=52894&zoneid=63

[AmyHollar]

 

[ira smolin]

Dale  ,  don't be a stranger,           stop by and
say hello.

your dad   was an   honorable    man

[Max R]

Dale good luck this week. Harold would be proud of his son
Great press release
Outstanding. I'll see you and the gang there. Drinks are on me


I see the poster from another forum has Gibbs in there. Boy does he look tough. Classy horse. Should get the cash and the blanket
What say you Dale ?

[Max R]

Dale  ,  don't be a stranger,           stop by and
say hello.

your dad   was an   honorable    man

Evening Ira. Will we see you at Dale's race ? I hope so. By thw way, did that pick 5 mess finally blow over ? I know you went through hell with that nonsense. I can assure all of our posters that Ira Smolin is an honest man and a credit to the game f harness racing. Accusing him of this  . That ticket was strictly an act of handicapping genius.  He got a bum rap , Not good

[MichiganDale]

Ira - we'll connect for sure!  MaxR - first drink is on me, remember?  As for Gibbs he deserves to be the favorite but he's beatable.  Really does not matter to us who wins as its a pleasure to present the blanket...that's what its all about, honoring purple hearters and of course my dad.  If I have any "leanings" as to who I'd prefer to present it to it would be to Johnny Roberts driving the horse on the rail.  Most of the drivers have won this race before but not John.  He's long been a friend, has a fine young family and has turned things around in his life.  Yeah, I'll pull for him but if Gibbs wins that's fine too.  Whoever wins I hope the horse is well behaved as we figure on 2 pictures involving quite a few people.

[luc]

WE HAVE NO SHOT DALE

,,ITS EITHER, THE 1 HORSE OR ,,RICHESS EMPORER..

[MichiganDale]

Never say "no shot" unless the horse is hurting or in way over its head.  If you win - great...we'll see you in the winners circle.  Good luck...have fun.

[Max R]

Good luck tonight Dale. I know its a very special night for you and you should be very proud. Thanks for doing this.