Freedom Awards Gala

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June 30
6:30 pm
Utah Valley Convention Center

Provo

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$50

Finding Freedom Takes Courage

Freedom is something which has been fought for, defended, and sought after for centuries. It is a humbling experience, especially for those of us who may take the blessings of freedom for granted, when we catch even a glimpse of the personal sacrifices others have made and the courage it took to reach their goal. What would you be willing to do to defend freedom for others? What would you being willing to endure to try and find freedom for yourself? How much love and trust in someone would it take for you to risk everything for a future dream of freedom together? This year’s Freedom Awards will honor individuals who have exhibited unimaginable courage in order to achieve that great blessing.

Chairperson(s)

Vicki Garbutt -

vicki.garbutt@freedomfestival.org

2018 Honorees

RETIRED LT COL H GRANT KEELER: Grant grew up in Utah County, but his passion for flying soon landed him in the pilot seat of a B-17 bomber during World War II. He was shot down over Germany and spent time in a POW camp. Returning to active duty, he participated in the Berlin Airlift and continued a life of service to his country through the Vietnam war, retiring in 1971. He will reach 100 years of age nine days before this year’s Freedom Awards Gala, at which he will proudly wear his dress uniform.

DONGHYUN KIM AND JIYEON SONG: This couple was born in North Korea, fell in love, and married. With a strong desire to try and find a better life, they embarked on a dangerous journey which would test every ounce of their courage. Their unwavering love and trust in each other kept them going. While they desired freedom, they had also felt a strong pull to an unknown God whom they felt would be the key to a full and happy life. Citing many miracles along the way, they believe they have now found both.

BUN YOM: As a young Cambodian teenager, Bun was torn from his home and family by the Khmer Rouge in April 1975. It was the beginning of a devastating genocide which would eventually decrease the Cambodian population by twenty-five percent. Along with thousands of other young men, Bun spent the next few years as a slave laborer in the infamous killing fields of Cambodia. When he was rescued by the Cambodian Freedom Fighters, he decided to join them and was involved in the rescue of thousands of his countrymen.

JOSHUA AND THAMARA HOLT: Joshua had returned home to Riverton, Utah, from a Spanish-speaking LDS mission and was looking for a way to keep up his foreign language skills. He met Thamara, who lived in Venezuela, online and a relationship soon developed. In June 2016 he traveled to Venezuela and they were married. Just a few weeks later, they found themselves thrown in prison on weapons charges and suspected conspiracy against the Venezuelan government. It took almost two years of their working with diplomats, congressional representatives, the White House, and others; but on May 26th, Joshua’s family was finally able to welcome them home.

Ticket Information

Tickets will be $50/person and may be ordered starting Friday, June 1.
Seating is open (no table assignments except for program participants and their guests).
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 Friday, June 22 @ 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.

FREEDOM FESTIVAL AWARDS GALA 2018

DINNER MENU

Salad

Fresh Watermelon and Blueberry Caesar Salad
Served with a Blood Orange Vinaigrette

Assorted Dinner Rolls* served with Butter

Entrée

Jumbo Pesto Shrimp Prawns & Kalbi Glazed Pork Tenderloin

Sautéed Haricot Verts Green Beans with Caramelized Onions and Bacon

Savory Sweet Mashed Potato

Dessert

Orange Citrus Cream Cake*

Limeade and Ice Water

(*Note: Meal options above are gluten free with the exception of the dinner rolls and the cake.)

VEGETARIAN/GLUTEN FREE MEAL OPTION

Entrée

Seasoned Roasted Acorn Squash Wedge Stuffed with Wild Rice and Vegetables Served with Zesty Tomato Sauce

Dessert

Pineapple Boat with Pineapple, Raspberries, Blueberries, and Strawberries Topped with Whipped Cream**

(**Note: Vegetarian/gluten free meal options

are also dairy free with the exception of the whipped cream.)

Please be aware that special dietary requests are required at the time of ticket purchase.

Freedom Awards Gala

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