Freedom Awards Gala

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June 29
6:30 pm
Utah Valley Convention Center

Provo

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$60

Freedom Awards Gala

The 2023 Freedom Award recipients will join an impressive list of previous honorees who have each made unique contributions to the defense and sharing of the traditional American values of God, family, freedom, and country. Our recipients this year range in age from 95 to 102. They represent those caught in the unbelievable devastation that rained down in Pearl Harbor, those who overcame the odds in Iwo Jima and the Battle of the Bulge, and those in Graves Registration who shouldered the sacred responsibility to bury those who would not be returning home. As Brokaw said, “They answered the call to save the world from the two most powerful and ruthless military machines ever assembled…They succeeded on every front. They won the war, they saved the world.”

Chairperson(s)

Vicki Garbutt -

vicki.garbutt@freedomfestival.org

2023 FREEDOM AWARD HONOREES

KEN POTTS—WWII Navy Veteran. One of the last two survivors from the attack on the USS Arizona as it sat in Pearl Harbor. Like so many from that era, this quiet man came home, worked hard, raised a family, and purposefully avoided the spotlight. Shortly after finally agreeing to accept a Freedom Award earlier this spring, Ken marked his 102nd birthday. And less than a week later, passed away. A poignant reminder of this fast-fading population of individuals who so willingly put themselves in harm’s way to secure our peace and freedom.

JOHN “JACK” MORAN—WWII Army Veteran. As an infantryman in the European theater, he saw the brutality of war first hand. At one point their group was surrounded by Germans, so they dug in, formed a circle facing out, and defended themselves until bad weather lifted a few days later and US air raids began. He was in the Battle of the Bulge and at the end of the war was involved in the liberation of a concentration camp. Out of his platoon of 33 men who entered combat, only two came back from the war.

WILLIAM “KEN” LUTTRELL—WWII Marine Veteran. With a proven aptitude for sensing direction and distance, Ken was trained in radio operation. His group saw action in the Pacific theater including the invasions of Roi Namur, Saipan, and Tinian. They were in the first wave of amphibious assault in the invasion of Iwo Jima. There he was wounded by a piece of shrapnel that ripped through his left check and out his right check. Nine surgeries in four hospitals did not deter his gratitude to have survived when so many did not.

GEORGE CIAMPA—WWII Graves Registration. We most often focus on those who fought during the war, but what of those whose lives were taken? Who took care of them? George’s original desire was to be a pilot in the Aircorp, but a series of events instead landed him in Graves Registration. He and his companions had the arduous and solemn responsibility to sort bodies, organize the belongings, and bury their fellow soldiers in temporary cemeteries throughout France, Belgium, and Germany. During the 11 months that his group served, they buried 75,000 Americans and Germans.

Program Info

Casey Elliot, a co-founding member of GENTRI, will provide our vocal entertainment. He just finished filming a movie about the Greatest Generation—watch for “Devil’s Men” being released soon.

John Sargeant—marking his eighth year as the Gala’s Piano Man!—will provide the pre-show, dinner, and post-show entertainment. He is an established musician and recording artist.

Ticket Information

Tickets will be $60/person and may be ordered starting Thursday, June 1. For those interested, a full table (for ten guests) can be purchased for $600.
Program participants, Festival sponsors, and those purchasing a full table will have assigned, reserved seating. Other guests may select a location in open seating that evening. Ballroom doors will open at 6:00 p.m. Program will begin at 6:30 p.m.
Reservations are required. Tickets will not be available at the door.
Orders may be placed by phone (801-818-1776) or by going to the Festival office (4626 N. 300 W., Suite 300, Provo). No online ordering is available.

There will be a $5.00 fee per order for tickets that are mailed out.
Deadline for ordering tickets is Wednesday, June 21 @ 5:00 p.m.
Payment by cash or check preferred. Credit cards also accepted.
Requests to meet special dietary needs must be made at the time of ticket purchase.

SALAD

Fresh Chopped Romaine Lettuce, garnished with Crispy Prosciutto Ham, Fire Roasted Tomatoes,

Grecian Feta Cheese and topped with Chef Javier’s own Pickled Red Onions.

Served with the House Vinaigrette Dressing. Accompanied by Sour Dough Baci Rolls and Butter

DUAL ENTRÉE

Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cured Virginia Ham, Smoked Gouda Cheese, and finished with a Dijon Cream Sauce. As a companion entrée, a Tender Boneless Beef Short Rib served with a Savory Bordelaise Sauce. Accompanied by Yukon Gold Mascarpone Mashed Potatoes, and

Seasonal Vegetables with Broccoli, Cauliflower, and Carrots.

DESSERT

Choice of Banana Marble Cake or Italian Toasted Almond Cake

GLUTEN-FREE OPTION*

SALAD As above without dinner rolls

ENTRÉE As above

DESSERT Flourless Chocolate Torte

VEGETARIAN OPTION*

SALAD As above without Ham and Cheese

ENTRÉE Marinated Portobello Mushroom Cap stuffed with

Spinach and Cream Cheese, topped with Mozzarella

cheese, garnished with Sauteed Garden Vegetables

and Red Pepper Sauce.

DESSERT Flourless Chocolate Torte

*Special requests for gluten-free or vegetarian options must be placed at the time of the ticket order.

Freedom Awards Gala

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