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Military bands honor veterans at Chrysler Hall

U.S. Joint Forces Command honors veterans with 11th annual "Salute to Veterans" concert.
• See the photos

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By USJFCOM Public Affairs

(NORFOLK, Va. – Nov. 6, 2006) – U.S. Joint Forces Command (USJFCOM) hosted the 11th annual "Salute to Veterans" concert yesterday at Norfolk's Chrysler Hall.

The theme for this year's concert was "Honoring Those Who Answered the Call."  USJFCOM Commander Air Force Gen. Lance Smith greeted guests at a reception before the concert.

"This is our way to pause, reflect and thank those who have served and are serving country today," Smith said.  "Many Americans have contributed to preservation of American ideals -- liberty, justice, and the freedom to pursue our dreams. 

"Occasionally, these values must be protected and defended.  We are in such an occasion.  We are a nation at war.  Today, men and women are answering the noble call to serve, risking their lives selflessly for others and bringing chance of liberty, justice and peace where none existed before."

Smith then introduced the concert's guest of honor, Jim DeBellis, who enlisted in the Army in 1942 and served in the Italian Campaign in World War II. 

He left the Army at the end of the war as a sergeant and returned to Virginia Beach, Va., where he became the city's first director of economic development.  He retired from that job after 20 years, receiving the distinguished Cardinal Award for his service to the city and the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Fifty years after he left the Army, he and his family inquired about any citations he may have received during the war. 

The Army responded with all the medals, awards and citations he'd earned but not received, including the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantryman's Badge, the Italian and European Campaign Medals, the Army Good Conduct Medal, an honorable discharge, and the Bronze Star, which he was awarded at a ceremony at Fort Monroe, Va., in 1998.

Smith invited DeBellis to join him in a cake cutting ceremony before taking his honored seat in the concert hall.

"On behalf of all veterans and their families, we honor your service and patriotism," Smith said.  "We salute you and all those protecting this great country today."

Local radio host Cathy Lewis served as emcee for the free performance, which featured a combined military band made up of select members of the Army's Training and Doctrine Command Band, the Navy's U.S. Fleet Forces Band, the Air Force's Heritage of America Band, the Armed Forces School of Music Marine Detachment, and the U.S. Coast Guard Band.