Governor Riley's Blue Star Salute

"Proclamation-Signing Ceremony"

Held in the Old House Chamber, Alabama State Capitol

April 27, 2007

Preparatory to the THIRD ANNUAL BLUE STAR SALUTE, to be held at The American Village on Memorial Day (Monday), May 28th.

Alabama Governor Bob Riley signs Proclamation declaring May 28 at The American Village (Montevallo) as BLUE STAR SALUTE DAY throughout the State. He is surrounded by members of the Blue Star Salute Foundation who represent the SAR, VFW, DAR, GSW, Board of Veteran Affairs, GSM, US Merchant Marines, "Buffalo Soldiers", American Village, American Legion, PGR/ALR, USMC, DAV and other caring/sponsoring organizations. Included in the photo is RADM Clyde Marsh, AL Exec Dir of Veteran Affairs and Major General Mark Bowen, TAG AL National Guard.

Governor Riley and the SAR Color Guard observes as leaders of the Patriot Guard Riders and American Legion Riders present the various components (inverted weapon, helmet, dogtags and boots) of a "Fallen Comrades Memorial" monument used to pay honor and respect to "Fallen Heroes". This presentation ceremony led by PGR SE Regional Leader Jim (Dinky Dau) Lorenzo of Anniston, AL.

Governor Riley is surrounded by a vast assembly of PGR/ALR following the presentation of the "Fallen Comrades Memorial" monument and his signing an appreciation certificate for their continuing service in paying honor and respect to Fallen Heroes.

Sons of the American Revolution Color Guard (Dick Wells, ALSSAR; John Taylor, MSSSAR; Paul Prescott, GASSAR and Robert Cruthirds, GASSAR) stand the flag line behind AL Governor Bob Riley, as he addresses the assembly of Blue Star Salute Foundation preparatory to signing his official proclamation declaring Memorial Day (Monday), 28 May 2007, as BLUE STAR SALUTE DAY throughout Alabama.

Governor Riley continues his address supporting the intentions and efforts of the Blue Star Salute Foundation team in their concerted expressions of honor and respect to America's military service personnel and Alabama's Fallen Heroes since 9/11/01.

Sons of the American Revolution of AL, GA and MS attend to Governor Riley's continuing comments. Portions of the audience within the Old House Chamber of the Alabama Capitol include the large assembly of Patriot Guard Riders(PGR) and American Legion Riders(ALR). To the Governor's immediate left is seated "Wounded Warrior" USMC LCpl Sean Phillips, wounded in combat action in Iraq.

While the Colonial SAR Color Guard looks on, Governor Riley signs certificate of commendation and appreciation to "Wounded Warrior" Marine Corps LCpl Sean Phillips.

Governor Bob Riley expresses his personal appreciation and commendation to USMC LCpl Sean Phillips who was severely wounded in combat action during "Operation Iraqi Freedom".

Governor Riley signs proclamation declaring May 2007 as "Military Appreciation Month" in Alabama while flanked by Southeastern and State Leaders of the American Legion and Disabled American Veterans. Far right is Byron White, Vice-Commander The American Legion SE and President, Blue Star Salute Foundation, Inc.