By Bob Maxwell
Voice of the Veteran
Air Force Veteran
On June 8, 2024 the largest Veteran & Military event in Nevada’s 160 year history was a huge success thanks to the leadership of several prominent Greek-Americans. The event was the vision of Peter Palivos, one of Nevada’s top attorneys and Chairman of Voice of the Veteran. Peter’s dedication to supporting Veterans, Military personnel, and their families culminated in an extraordinary event that many believed was impossible.
What began as a simple idea from Chairman Palivos blossomed into a grand celebration attended by over 17,000 Veterans, Military members and their families, featuring $4 million worth of gifts from renowned brands like Amazon, Nike, Disney, EveryLife Diapers, and Earth Breeze laundry detergent to name only a few.
In welcoming everyone to the event, Chairman Palivos stated, “My friends, no Americans have sacrificed more or given more to our country than our brave Service Members and Veterans. So we, through our actions today, honor and show gratitude to these American Heroes!” Palivos continued by stating, “Please remember that we are not here as red Americans. We are not here as blue Americans. We are here as Red, White and Blue Americans”.
The event was not just about gifts; it offered attendees the unique opportunity to engage with a diverse array of organizations and companies at over 80 vendor booths. These booths featured representatives from the Veterans Administration of Nevada, various Veterans Organizations, and a multitude of service providers. The offerings spanned critical areas such as Mental Health Support, Employment opportunities, Job Training programs, and Educational resources, among many others.
The presence of distinguished guests added to the event’s significance. Among them were Raiders Football Team Owner Mark Davis and Team President Sandra Morgan, whose support was invaluable.
Dignitaries also included Nevada Lt. Governor and Greek American Stavros Anthony, Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford, Assistant Secretary of the VA Zaneta Adams from the VA in Washington, D.C., His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, former Congresswoman Shelley Berkley, Congresswoman and Greek American Dina Titus, Congressman Steven Horsford, Adjutant General of the Nevada National Guard Major General Ondra L. Berry, Assistant Adjutant General of the Nevada Army National Guard Brigadier General Troy E. Armstrong, Nevada National Guard Command Chief Master Sergeant Cameron M. Pieters, Nellis Air Force Base Commander of the 57th Wing Brigadier General Richard Goodman, Senior Pastor of ChurchLV Benny Perez, and U.S. Marine Recon Veteran Dan Kamanao (retired after 26 years) who spent 49 months in Vietnam and survived 48 surgeries to this day, are some of the dignitaries that graced the event with their presence on stage.
As part of the program, remarks were made by Greek American Lieutenant Governor of Nevada Stavros Anthony, Greek-American US Congresswoman Dina Titus, and Former US Congresswoman Shelly Berkley (whose Hellenic Jewish roots are from Thessaloniki).
The event also featured the presentation of Bronze Star Medals to three U.S. Air Force war heroes. The Army Combat Award was presented to Sgt. First Class Frank Digiovanni of the Nevada National Guard. These four heroes were recognized for their bravery and sacrifices in combat situations. A rarity for these ceremonies to be seen in a public setting.
The day’s activities brought a flood of heartwarming images: the smiles on the attendees’ faces, the tears of happiness, and the overwhelming joy, especially from the children as they received their toys and were able to play on the Raiders football field as they interacted with players like Raiders Captain Robert Spillane. The event was a testament to the power of community and the profound impact of collective effort. It underscored the importance of gratitude and support for America’s heroes who have given so much for our country.
The Day of Gratitude was further enlivened by an impressive lineup of live entertainment. Attendees were treated to the soulful performances of Danny Gokey, renowned for his rise to fame on American Idol, and the energetic tunes of country music artist Walker Hayes. Adding a touch of enchantment to the day, the magical duo of Garry and Janine Carson captivated the audience with their spellbinding acts.
The event also featured heartfelt video messages that played on the jumbotron, amplifying the celebration. The iconic bands Journey and The Jonas Brothers congratulated all the Veterans, Military members, and their families, sending their best wishes. Mike Rowe, beloved host of “Dirty Jobs,” also shared a special message of love and support, expressing his deep appreciation for our heroes and their families. These messages, along with the live performances, created a vibrant and uplifting atmosphere, making the Day of Gratitude an unforgettable experience.
US Major General Ondra Berry stated “I am touched and moved because I have never seen anything like this in my life. I am very grateful to Voice of the Veteran and Peter Palivos for putting on this historic event”.
Brigadier General Richard Goodman stated, “In my 31 years of service, this is the most beautiful and patriotic event I have ever attended”.
Archbishop Elpidiphoros of America closed the event with the following prayer that touched the huge audience:
“As we prepare to close this truly miraculous day of gratitude for our men and women of the Armed Forces and their families, I greet each and every one of you with the Orthodox Christian salutation: Christ is Risen!
Let us bow our heads in prayer:
O Almighty and Ever-living God, You have assembled us today in this physical arena, so that in a spirit of thanksgiving and gratitude for our wonderful Veterans, we might offer our humble supplications to You, the God and Creator of All, on behalf of those who serve at the greatest risk to themselves in arenas of conflict around the world.
O Lord, they serve with honor and dignity, with courage and valor, with persistence and patience, so that we, their fellow citizens, might dwell in peace and prosperity. They are the ones who go forth to defend our lands and our way of life, and some do not return.
Therefore, O Merciful and Compassionate God, we commit to Your everlasting love all those whose service to God and country proved to require their last full measure.
Bestow upon their immortal souls blessed repose in the mansions of the Saints, in the tabernacles of the Righteous, and in the bosom of Abraham. Strengthen their families and descendants to bear their untimely loss, and grant unto us all the sure and certain hope of the resurrection, through faith in Your Son, our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ.
Unto all our Veterans and those in active service, grant your Divine protection, and keep their families and loved one under the shelter of Your Holy wings. Bless them as they go forth, and as they return. And keep them strong in faith in You and in one another.
Bless also those who have made this day to truly be a day of blessing and fellowship and keep our hearts alert to the needs of those who gift us with their military service.”
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