American Legion "Tribute to Service" Sunday, Aug 24.

As you make plans for your upcoming trip to The American Legion National Convention in Phoenix, be sure to set aside the afternoon of Sunday, August 24th for a new, patriotic, exciting event! The addition to this year’s convention is The American Legion Family’s Tribute to Service. This spectacle of patriotism will feature performances by Country Music Artist Michael Peterson and the U.S. Marine Corps’ famous Silent Drill Platoon. The Tribute to Service will honor military families in attendance and host a group military enlistment and reenlistment ceremony. Small delegations from The American Legion’s 55 departments will march into the US Airways Center in downtown Phoenix to kick-off the event which will include National Commander Marty Conatser, American Legion Auxiliary National President Jan Pulvermacher-Ryan and Sons of the American Legion National Commander Raymond P Giehll Jr. Spirit of Service Award winners and Youth Champions will also be in attendance. Peterson’s hits include “Drink Swear Steal & Lie” and “From Here to Eternity.” He has raised thousands of dollars for the American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund by donating proceeds from his DVD titled “It’s Who We Are.” “The Tempations Review” will also entertain the audience, courtesy of the Casino Arizona. The Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon is based at the historic Marine Barracks in Washington, D.C. Members of the platoon are handpicked from all over the Marine Corps, based on the ability to carry out precisely orchestrated rifle drills with no verbal instructions whatsoever. It is a truly impressive performance to watch, featuring rifles with bayonets soaring high into the air between Marines. The award-winning Joliet American Legion Band will also be performing at the event. Since 1946, the band has emulated the precise disciplined tradition of John Philip Sousa before loyal audiences, which have included seven U.S. presidents. The Tribute to Service starts at 4 p.m. Admission is free to all registered American Legion Convention attendees, including Auxiliary and Sons Of The American Legion. Shuttles will also be provided at no cost to the departments or attendees.