Variety’s third annual Salute to Service luncheon came just in time for Veterans Day. The afternoon delight, presented by History and sponsored by USO, consisted of distinguished guests and press who celebrated, recognized and honored those who served on behalf of the United States of America in battle.
Held On Nov. 6 at Cipriani on Broadway, the event paid special attention to individuals within the entertainment and media industries who use their careers to pay homage to the men and women in the army, Navy, Marines and everyone who has served.
General George W. Casey Jr.
Eight individuals were given a special honor. They include: CBS’ Seal Team star David Boreanaz (Jason Hayes), Altice’s CEO Dexter Goei, The View’s Meghan McCain (John McCain’s daughter). Also being honored was 2020 Democratic Presidential candidate and military combat veteran Tulsi Gabbard, Olympic gold medalist Shaun White, Blue Bloods’ Donnie Wahlberg (Danny Reagan), Golden Globe nominee Lou Diamond Phillips and CBS Evening News’ Norah O’Donnell. Each of these individuals showed great passion and desire to repay those who have sacrificed themselves without asking for anything in return. Each compensate differently, publicly and privately, setting an example for all to follow.
For McCain, this means switching seats with a veteran on a plane if her seat is better than theirs; just one of the ways she pays it forward she shared during her acceptance speech. “I am grateful for the level of patriotism that I had instilled in me,” McCain said as she recalled the etiquette her parents taught her, especially her dad who was in the navy. Like McCain, O’Donnell’s father served as well. With a father in the military, the award winning journalist developed a great devotion to help veterans; which includes advocating for veteran prioritization when it comes to employment the way Goie does through his media and technology company Altice.
Diamond Phillips and Charlotte Clymer
Reinforcing inclusion, Phillips, who was born on a military base in the Philippines, used his time on stage to acknowledge LGBTQ service members and accepted his award on behalf of their community. As for Gabbard, who continues to serve currently, the proud Democrat accepted her award for herself and her peers. “It is a tremendous honor and I accept it only on behalf of the many amazing people I’ve had the opportunity to serve with,” Gabbard said in an interview on the red carpet before the ceremony. She continued, “(I) take responsibility with this platform that I have to speak for them and to continue to raise their voices and issues because our veterans, unfortunately, are still being dishonored and mistreated when they come home.”
This Veterans Day, be sure to thank and celebrate a veteran wether he or she is family or a stranger because either way; they selflessly serve(d) on behalf of a whole country.
