Keynote address: Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient Sammy L. Davis and wife Dixie Davis
Pawhuska, OK - The Osage Veterans Memorial Commission is hosting a veterans appreciation reception at Wakon Iron Hall on Saturday, October 25, from 2 to 4 p.m. (Location: 181 Wakon Iron Blvd, Indian Camp, Pawhuska, OK). Join the Commissioners in welcoming their honored guests and keynote speakers Sammy L. Davis and his wife, Dixie Davis. On November 19, 1968, President Lyndon B. Johnson bestowed the Congressional Medal of Honor on Davis for heroic actions above and beyond the call of duty during the Vietnam War. The Medal of Honor is the United States’ highest military award given to members of the armed forces.
Sammy Davis and his wife, Dixie, are a unique husband-and-wife team who will share their remarkable life experiences, offering inspiration and hope for new beginnings to audiences of all ages. When Sammy Davis talks about his harrowing experience in Vietnam for which he earned the Medal of Honor, his theme is “Duty, Honor, Country.” His book, You Don’t Lose ‘Til You Quit Trying, reveals a gripping account of his Vietnam experience and powerful lessons he learned about love in the midst of war. Sammy’s wife, Dixie, accompanies him on speaking engagements, lending her sparkling humor, love for people, and unique perspective as a veteran’s wife. She talks candidly about the effects of post-traumatic stress on spouses and families from all wars, plus veterans’ health issues that often result from war experiences. In addition, both Sammy and Dixie lost a spouse to cancer before God brought them together. Their tender love story is chronicled in Dixie’s book, Endless Love and Second Chances. In these shared endeavors, Sammy and Dixie’s passion is to encourage people to seek the best in themselves and to let them know others care. Their unending message is never to give up, no matter how difficult the circumstances.
A selection of military-related items from the Osage Nation Museum will be on view at Wakon Iron during the event. In addition, information tables will be available to share veteran resources and program information from the American Legion Post 198, Grayhorse War Mothers, and Hominy War Mothers. The reception is free and open to the public. Commission member Frances Williams shared, “The reception is intended to demonstrate our appreciation to the soldiers - past and present - who put their lives on the line to defend the freedom, peace, and prosperity of our Country.” The program will commence at 2 p.m. with a welcome by Osage Nation Chief of Staff Jason Zaun, followed by the flag raising by American Legion Post 198 Color Guard and flag song by Isaac Williams and Kristo Revard. Blessing by John Maker (U.S. Army Veteran). At 3:00 p.m., the program presentations will begin, including the keynote address by Sammy L. and Dixie Davis.
Reception catered by the Osage cook Dana Daylight and her family.
For more information:
918.287.5423
ONM_VeteransProject@osagenation-nsn.gov
https://www.osagenation-nsn.gov/boards/veterans-memorial-commission