NEW YORK—People gathered around Military Island in Times Square on Sunday afternoon to honor our troops and give Lt. Michael Patrick Murphy, posthumously, the Torch of Freedom award, which was accepted by his mother Maureen Murphy.
The award was presented by Susan Frederick, member of the board of directors of the Soldiers’, Sailors’, Marines’, Coast Guard & Airmen’s Club (SSMAC), Ms. Frederick was introduced by Col. Smith, Commander of Fort Hamilton.
Lt. Murphy was the first to be awarded a medal in the current war in Afghanistan, and had been the first U.S. Navy member to receive the United States’ highest military decoration, the Medal of Honor, since the Vietnam War.
Also to receive a Torch of Freedom Award was Aretha Franklin, but Ms. Franklin was absent for unknown reasons. Franklin, recently named 1 singer of all time by Rolling Stone Magazine, held a benefit concert at the Nokia Theater in Times Square at 7 p.m. Sunday night.
The SSMAC and NewYork.com, an online media outlet dedicated to tourism, leisure, and entertainment, sponsored the event. The event was hosted by NBC4 co-anchors Pat Battle and David Ushery.
Though Franklin did not perform, the event still consisted of many musical numbers, some performed by artists picked from NewYork.com’s City of Fame, a Web site where artists can upload videos to exhibit their talents. One of the contestants from the site, Big Shai, had been chosen to participate in the opening act for Franklin’s evening concert. Also present was Laura Izibor, a singer, songwriter, and producer with an R&B style, who also opened for Are concert.
Along with the City of Fame artists, Sgt. Elizabeth Quiniones sang the National Anthem with the Color Guard present. Five members FDNY Emerald Society Pipes and Drums, two on snares and three on bagpipes, participated as well. In addition to the musical festivities, the Marines also hosted a Toys for Tots donation site.
The award was presented by Susan Frederick, member of the board of directors of the Soldiers’, Sailors’, Marines’, Coast Guard & Airmen’s Club (SSMAC), Ms. Frederick was introduced by Col. Smith, Commander of Fort Hamilton.
Lt. Murphy was the first to be awarded a medal in the current war in Afghanistan, and had been the first U.S. Navy member to receive the United States’ highest military decoration, the Medal of Honor, since the Vietnam War.
Also to receive a Torch of Freedom Award was Aretha Franklin, but Ms. Franklin was absent for unknown reasons. Franklin, recently named 1 singer of all time by Rolling Stone Magazine, held a benefit concert at the Nokia Theater in Times Square at 7 p.m. Sunday night.
The SSMAC and NewYork.com, an online media outlet dedicated to tourism, leisure, and entertainment, sponsored the event. The event was hosted by NBC4 co-anchors Pat Battle and David Ushery.
Though Franklin did not perform, the event still consisted of many musical numbers, some performed by artists picked from NewYork.com’s City of Fame, a Web site where artists can upload videos to exhibit their talents. One of the contestants from the site, Big Shai, had been chosen to participate in the opening act for Franklin’s evening concert. Also present was Laura Izibor, a singer, songwriter, and producer with an R&B style, who also opened for Are concert.
Along with the City of Fame artists, Sgt. Elizabeth Quiniones sang the National Anthem with the Color Guard present. Five members FDNY Emerald Society Pipes and Drums, two on snares and three on bagpipes, participated as well. In addition to the musical festivities, the Marines also hosted a Toys for Tots donation site.
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