Posted on 04/22/2005 7:10:29 AM PDT by Mustng959
McClenney to be honored Friday Thursday, April 21, 2005 By CLINT CONFEHR
Family and friends of Marine Pfc. Daniel B. McClenney, who was killed in combat last year near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, will be joined by veterans, officials, patriots and other Americans tomorrow morning on Shelbyville's Public Square to honor a home-grown hero. Ceremonies start at 10 a.m. In case of rain, the ceremony will be held in the second floor courtroom at the county courthouse.
McClenney's family is to receive the Silver Star from Marine Lt. Col. Julian Alford, commanding officer of McClenney's battalion. The Silver Star is America's third highest combat decoration and is awarded to those who, while serving in the U.S. military, are cited for gallantry in action against a U.S. enemy while engaged in military operations.
A Purple Heart has already been conferred upon McClenney.
McClenney's family will also be presented with a bronze bust of his likeness during the ceremony. It is a result of efforts by a private organization, the SOS Fund for the Survivors of Servicemen and Statues of Servicemen, a group which has joined with a coalition of veterans organizations in Bedford County. They are raising money for a Veterans Memorial to honor all American servicemen.
"It's great," the fallen Marine's father, Randy McClenney, said Wednesday of the honors bestowed upon his son, who died at age 19 during an ambush by an anti-coalition group. "He deserves it."
Also during the ceremony will be the presentation of an American flag by a representative --because of the late notice -- of U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon's office in Murfreesboro. The flag was flown over the U.S. Capitol in honor of Pfc. McClenney
"Pvt. McClenney was a true hero and patriot who paid the ultimate sacrifice for his service to the United States," Gordon said. "He is sorely missed not only by his family and friends, but also by a grateful nation."
Rest in peace, Hero, and Semper Fi.
ping
A MAN that was much more mature than the 40 something hippies that in the streets drinking their lattes protesting the very hand that feeds them.
A MAN that gave everything for his country.
Quite simply, a MAN.
I am truly grateful to these heros.
Thanks for the ping, Coop.
A fellow Tennessean and Marine, God Bless Daniel McClenney.
"Oh, Danny boy, the pipes, the pipes are calling..."
Semper Fi,
Kelly
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