By Carolyn K. Long
Monday, May 31, 2010__Naples, FL__Country music star Michael Peterson, top selling musician and a Bob Hope "Spirit of Hope" recipient for service to our nation and servicemen, and Clint Brown, world-class Gospel singer, will uplift, entertain and inspire attendees at tonight's Naples Memorial Day Concert at 6:00 pm in Cambier Park to honor Purple Heart recipients Staff Sergeant José Pequeño and Lance Corporal John 'JT' Doody. Mayor Bill Barnett will MC the Concert.
Michael Peterson is a multiple Grammy and CMA award nominee, whose million-selling country music chart-toppers include "Drink, Swear, Steal and Lie" and "From Here To Eternity," a Great American Country choice as one of the top 100 greatest love song videos of all time.
Michael is much more than a top-selling country music star. He has dedicated his life to entertaining U.S. troops and to spreading the message that community service is national service. He inspires whole communities with week-long programs that empower students to achieve their goals and facilitate community volunteerism.
"People think that to serve your nation you've got to wear a uniform and go somewhere else," says Michael. "The fact is that right here in your own back yard, if you're doing something that's bigger than you are - - what a powerful impact that has!"
Peterson's commitment to "moving people" has attracted the support of numerous service-based organizations, and his "My Real Life, Strong for America Tour" marks the first time the U.S. Army has backed an innovative tour by a civilian artist.
Many of Clint Brown's more than one million albums rank on the top ten of the praise and worship charts. He was featured on "101 Greatest Worship Songs," and many of his more than 300 original songs have been recorded by other artists. Dubbed a "modern day David," Clint Brown is also Senior Pastor of FaithWorld Church in Orlando, a 5000-member multicultural congregation.
The Purple Heart Memorial Day Concert follows a week of activities honoring two of the nations' most severely wounded veterans. On Friday, Staff Sgt. Pequeño and Lance Cpl. Doody and their families were escorted 170 miles from their homes by the Patriot Guard Riders, motorcyclists from across the country who support, honor and protect veterans and their families, led by Ride Captain Thomas (T-Man) Brown.
Guests of Naples Philharmonic Founder & CEO Myra Daniels , the Vets were introduced at Friday night's "Star Spangled Spectacular" Patriotic Pops Concert by Guest Conductor Stuart Chafetz to a standing ovation.
They and their families were hosted at local restaurants and hotels for the weekend. They greeted attendees at Sunday's Memorial Picnic at Renaissance Village, with entertainment by local musicians and food donated by restaurants and a barbecue with food suppliers from Tampa to Miami.
Event organizer and advocate for the disabled Gary Kluckhuhn said, "This was not a one-man show. These events would not have been possible without the dedication and generosity of many. I want to thank all of those who worked so hard and contributed so much to these events to help us remind these heroes and their families that our nation does care."
When asked why he selected Naples as the venue for these events, Kluckhuhn answered, "These two men fought and sacrificed their independence for everyone in this Country. I thought they should have an opportunity to share in the beauty of a part of that Country I consider Paradise."
Donations of any amount for the evening's entertainment will go toward the purchase of a home for Staff Sergeant José Pequeño. No one will be turned away for inability to make a contribution. All veterans are invited guests. For more information, see www.FGCU.org or call 239-4047481.
AngelsOverAmerica.org is a sponsor and promoter of this event.