The women, who refer to themselves as the “widows,” are bound by a single moment that changed the course of each of their lives forever. I had the privilege to be in their presence and experience their undying commitment to their country, their families, and the memory of their husbands.
And so, if only for a brief moment, a generous group of partners came together to lay down the red, white, and blue carpet, and offer up a five-star experience to honor these women.
Here is the press release that was developed by TAPS for the event 'Project Gratitude.' Las Vegas here we come!
Military widows and daughters to be honored at
Miss America Pageant
TAPS/GYBN families offered royal treatment via ‘Project Gratitude’
Twenty-two bereaved widows and daughters of fallen military members will attend the Miss America pageant this weekend courtesy of a new initiative called Project Gratitude.
The women will travel from around the country courtesy of American Airlines to take part in pageant festivities at Planet Hollywood as well as a number of special events planned specifically for the mother-daughter affair. Activities will include attending the Donny and Marie show with backstage passes to meet the celebrities; make-over's and a shopping spree courtesy of Macy's; and attending formal affairs affiliated with the Miss America Organization.
The event was the idea of Sharlene Hawkes, 'Remember My Service' president and a former Miss America. With the assistance of Darci Hansen, Founder/Editor-In-Chief of Elan Woman magazine, the friends created 'Project Gratitude.'
"This is all about remembering the great service and ultimately, the great sacrifice that so many families make to preserve our way of life, and defend our liberties," said Hawkes. "Giving these women a royal weekend is the very least we can do for America's greatest treasures. I hope that we can make this a tradition."
The weekend will also include a full day at FINO, courtesy of the owner Alejandro Hormechea, and premiere stylists Andeen Rose-Clark and Zhane Richer (Celine Dion's personal hair stylist). Donating their time and space, all 22 moms and daughters will receive manicures, pedicures, make-up, and hair styles in preparation for the televised segment of the Miss America Pageant.
"I have been asked who is the official sponsor for the event and my response is, 'Two blondes with big hearts and generous friends.' said Hansen. "We simply wanted to do something to honor our military families. Our partners have enabled us to provide a fairytale event loaded with surprises and a lot of bling!"
Taking part in this type of experience is part of a long road of recovery which TAPS facilitates for any person who has lost a military loved one, regardless of the relationship to the deceased or the circumstances of the death. "The Project Gratitude organizers reached out to TAPS knowing our military survivors would benefit from a weekend of bonding and sharing a fun experience," said Elizabeth Kreft, TAPS Director of Communications. TAPS is a network of more than 25,000 mothers, daughters, sons, and fathers who have lost loved ones in military service.
Got Your Back Network provides children of fallen soldiers the opportunity to interact with our country's most talented leaders.
The holiday's provide a magical opportunity to gather our loved ones and create some much needed quality time. Thanksgiving offers the brilliance of the fall, the celebration of the harvest, and the excitement of the Macy's Parade!
From the time I was old enough to wear black patent shoes, my mother and grandmother had me toddling through the doors of Macy's on that long awaited Friday morn. Traditionally, it was then and not one day sooner, that one's eyes would catch the first glimpse of Christmas. The lights, the colors, the Santa's, the sales! For as long as I can remember, Black Friday was always a day spent with the most splendid ladies in my life taking in the magic of the holiday.
Today I carry on this tradition with my own daughters. However this year was truly exceptional - we spent Thanksgiving in New York City. The entire family enjoyed the 83rd Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. A year hasn't gone by that I haven't caught at least a glimpse of this historic event on television. While sitting along Central Park Ave. watching the thousands of people marching, dancing, twirling, singing, and jump-roping down the street, I couldn't suppress the excitement of being a part of something as historical as the Macy's Parade.
Black Friday was no different. We lined up at 4:45am in Herald Square, on Broadway and 34th Street. Here stands NYC's most iconic location for shopping - Macy's Department Store. Built in 1902, Macy's Herald Square is their flagship department store and one of the last turn-of-the-century department stores in existence. As we entered with a few other thousand, we were welcomed by yet another icon of NYC...the Rockettes!
The experience was similar to playing out a movie, or living a dream - much like the splendor of being a child during Christmas. While flying home I was able to search the net (wifi at 37,000 feet is a technological miracle) and discovered that Macy's has put together a holiday program for children, "Believe," benefiting the Make a Wish Foundation. Based on the response from a letter to the editor of a New York paper, the everlasting expression, "Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Clause," Macy's created a variety of charitable and educational components via their website to allow children the experience of giving, creating, and celebrating this magical time of year.
This holiday, make your own magical moments with your family and friends. Make memories. Make a difference. Do both. But whatever you do, "BELIEVE" that dreams can and do come true!
Photos:
Top: "Believe" balloon from the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
Middle: My daughter's Amy and Kylee with the Rockettes at 5:01am on Black Friday.
Bottom: Terry Lundgren, Macy's President & CEO, speaks to the press.
