The Occoquan Historical Society's annual fundraising gala was recently held and honored members of the U.S. Armed Forces past and present.
Billed as "An All American Affair," the 1940s-themed event was held at Madigan's Waterfront in Occoquan and featured an evening of Andrews Sisters-style music performed by Trevoche.
Honored guests included three of Occoquan's World War II veterans-Edwin "Ed" S. Clarke, U.S. Navy; Benjamin F. "Frank" McKenzie, U.S. Navy; and June J. Randolph, U.S. Navy.
Other Occoquan WWII veterans who were also honored, but were unable to attend the gala, including Richard H. Bell, U.S. Army; Robert "Bob" Lehto, U.S. Navy; and James F. "Frank" Phelps, U.S. Marine Corps.
Organizers presented each World War II veteran with a framed copy of a statement in their honor read into the Congressional Record by Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-11th.
Occoquan Mayor Earnie Porta also expressed his appreciation to the veterans, not only for their efforts on behalf of their country, but for their subsequent contributions to the town of Occoquan. Many of them, he noted, went on to serve the town in various elected and appointed capacities after the war.
This was the third annual Occoquan Historic Society gala. Net proceeds support the Occoquan Mill House Museum and the society's efforts to educate the public about Occoquan's history and heritage.
"The individuals who make up the gala organizing committee have put in a great deal of time and have done a great job over the past year to make this event a success," Porta said. "They have performed a real service for the town, for the Occoquan Historical Society, and for our World War II veterans."
This year the Occoquan Historical Society plans to use part of the gala proceeds to purchase a flag pole through the Potomac Region Veterans Council for placement along the Quantico National Cemetery's "Avenue of Honor" in memory of all Occoquan veterans.
-- Town of Occoquan
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