|
| NEW THIS EDITION |
 |
Howdy.
We have incredible news to share! The Honorable Senator John McCain will appear at the Buffalo Chip on Monday, August 4th, just before performances by Kelly Pickler and Kid Rock. Senator McCain will be participating in the Chip's annual ceremony in honor of American servicemen and veterans.
We are indescribably proud, honored and humbled that Senator McCain will join the bikers at the Chip. We understand the Secret Service will have the Senator on the Chip's stage at 7:30 pm. Please plan to return home to the Chip early on Monday and stay tuned as we develop plans to permit as many servicemen and veterans as possible to participate in this historic event.
The following is the release the PR department sent to the press:
Sen. John McCain to appear at Buffalo Chip's Veterans Tribute
Senator John McCain, the presumptive Republican Party nominee for President of the United States will participate in the annual Tribute to American Veterans and Active Duty Servicemen at the Legendary Buffalo Chip Campground on Monday Aug. 4 during the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
"We are honored that a patriot of Senator McCain's stature would take time during his Presidential campaign to help us honor our veterans and active duty military personnel," said campground owner Rod Woodruff. "We can think of no better example of the courage, sacrifice, integrity and sense of duty embodied by the people who protect our freedom daily."
McCain Senior Advisor, Carla Eudy confirmed Thursday that the Senator would participate in the Chip's annual tribute.
The Buffalo Chip has for many years conducted the tribute. Past tributes have included The Patriot Guard Riders, The U.S. Army Golden Knights, B-1B fly-bys and numerous color guards and flag-folding ceremonies.
"We have for years been humbled to provide the Buffalo Chip stage to
honor the heroic service of great American patriots," Woodruff said.
"Sen. McCain's heroism has been an inspiration to all Americans. I know the freedom-loving bikers who join us each year at the Buffalo Chip will be extremely appreciative and honored by his participation in this year's tribute."
John McCain's leadership record is remarkable and his lifetime commitment to service has been unwavering.
Senator McCain, of Arizona, was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1982. He has led the fight to reform Washington; to eliminate government waste and make certain our armed forces are strong.
His agenda for reform including reducing federal spending and lowering taxes elevated him to the United States Senate in 1986.
While in the Senate, McCain has worked to close loopholes for special interests and repair the Washington system that allows Congress to waste money and lobbyists to write legislation.
The Senator's devotion to freedom and country runs in his veins. His father and grandfather were both distinguished Navy admirals. He attended the United States Naval Academy and had a distinguished 22- year career as a naval aviator. He asked to serve in the Vietnam War.
He barely escaped death when the plane he was preparing to take-off on a bombing mission over North Vietnam was struck by a missile accidentally fired from another plane on the flight deck of the USS
Forrestal. The fire killed 134 men and injured hundreds more.
Twenty planes were destroyed.
Rather than return home, the senator volunteered for more combat duty and during his 23rd bombing mission on October, 26, 1967, he was shot down and taken prisoner in the infamous "Hanoi Hilton." While there, he was denied crucial medical attention and was often beaten by his North Vietnamese captors.
Much of his time as a POW, the Senator McCain was held in solitary confinement. He was released five and a half years later and upon returning home and regained his naval flight status.
He retired from the Navy in 1981. His military honors include the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Legion of Merit, Purple Heart and the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Senator McCain lives with his wife Cindy in Phoenix, Arizona., He has seven children and four grandchildren.
"Senator McCain's life has been a stalwart and courageous fight for the very freedoms that hundreds of thousands of bikers come to Sturgis each year to celebrate. He is an awe-inspiring patriot and we are privileged to have him join the Buffalo Chip's annual tribute," Woodruff said.
|