CHRISTIAN KEYNOTE Schneider 4 Nov 2016 Page 1 of 2

In Bucks County 917 Walnut Avenue, Hulmeville, PA 19047

215-750-3634

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The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall ® Presented by The Penndel-Hulmeville Memorial Day Parade, Inc.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Ed Preston Penndel-Hulmeville Memorial Day Parade, Inc. Phone: 215-750-3634 E-mail: epwrp1@msn.com www.p-hmemorialparade.org

Captain David Christian (Retired), Most Decorated Vietnam War Veteran, To Keynote Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall Visit To Bucks County in 2017

November 4, 2016 (Penndel , PA) – Captain David A. Christian (Retired), the most decorated veteran of the Vietnam War, will deliver the keynote speech when The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall® visits Penndel on in July of 2017. Capt. Christian will headline a roster of distinguished guests and speakers at the opening ceremonies for the Wall at 8:30 a.m. on July 14. Following the opening ceremonies, the wall will be on display through Sunday evening, July 16, at the Penndel Memorial Ball Field on PFC John Dalola Avenue in Penndel. Capt. Christian has a long and illustrious service history, enlisting in the US Army at age 17. After completing Officers Candidate School at age 18, he went on to complete Airborne and Special Forces training. During his time in country, his reconnaissance unit was known as one of the Army’s best. After receiving significant injuries during an engagement for which he was thrice nominated for the Medal of Honor, he retired from Army service in 1969 at age 21, having been awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, two Silver Stars, the Bronze Star, and seven Purple Hearts. After returning home from Vietnam, Capt. Christian threw himself into full-force into public service. During the Reagan Administration, he served as the Assistant State Director, US Department of Labor-Veterans Employment. He also served as National Commander of the Legion of Valor, an organization whose membership is restricted to those who have been awarded the Medal of Honor, the Distinguished Service Cross, the Navy Cross or the Air Force Cross.

Parx Casino and Racing is a proud partner of The Wall In Bucks County.

CHRISTIAN KEYNOTE Schneider 4 Nov 2016 Page 2 of 2

The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall ® Presented by The Penndel-Hulmeville Memorial Day Parade, Inc.

Capt. Christian has been a noted advocate for Vietnam War veterans, and was a founding Vice-President of the Council of Vietnam Veterans. He later founded the United Vietnam Veterans Organization (UVVO), which would merge with the Vietnam Veterans of America. The Wall, a 3/5 scale replica of the permanent memorial in Washington, DC, will arrive via convoy on July 12 and will be open for visitation and remembrances July 14-16. The tribute is being organized by the Penndel-Hulmeville Memorial Day Parade, Inc., a 501(c)(3) group, in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. Individuals and businesses interested in making a donation or sponsorship to help cover the costs involved in bringing The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall® to Bucks County should contact Chairman Ed Preston by phone at 215-750- 3634, or by mail at 917 Walnut Avenue, Hulmeville, PA 19047. Donations can be made at http://www.p-hmemorialparade.org/vietnam- traveling-memorial- wall/ or at https://www.facebook.com/TheWallInBucksCounty. Donations are tax-deductible. Penndel, PA is approximately 30 miles northeast of Philadelphia, PA and easily accessible via the Pennsylvania Turnpike and Interstate I-95. ABOUT: The Penndel-Hulmeville Memorial Day Parade, Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) with the Internal Revenue Service and is also a registered non-profit corporation with the Department of State in the Commonwealth of PA. The parade was incorporated in 2002. The Penndel-Hulmeville Memorial Day Parade, Inc. is recognized by the U.S. Department of Defense as an Official Commemorative Partner in remembering the 50-year anniversary of the Vietnam War. The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall® is part of the Vietnam and All Veterans of Brevard (VVB) located in Brevard County, Florida. The VVB is a 501(c)(3) organization that was formed and incorporated in December of 1985. The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall ® is managed by Doc Russo, who can be reached by phone at 321-652- 4185, or via E-Mail at info@travelingwall.us.

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Parx Casino and Racing is a proud partner of The Wall In Bucks County.