TWO WWII HEROES TO BE RECOGNIZED ON JULY 2, “MILITARY MONDAY”
Beau Rivage to host last surviving Doolittle Raider and “Band of Brothers” paratrooper
As our nation celebrates its independence, Beau Rivage puts its spotlight on the honorable service of two World War II heroes, Lt. Col. Dick Cole and PFC Bradford Freeman, as part of “Military Appreciation Monday” prior to the July 2 CIRCOVIA performance. Lt. Col. Cole will conduct a book signing and meet and greet, with a special appearance by Freeman, from 2-4 p.m. in Beau Rivage’s Azalea Ballroom.
Cole, the last surviving Doolittle Raider, was co-pilot under Lt. Col. Jimmy Doolittle of the B-25 bomber leading the surprise raid on Tokyo on April 18, 1942. The attack, an American response to Japan’s Pearl Harbor attack, raised morale in the United States and stunned the Japanese, raising doubt about the military’s defense of the home islands. For his action Lt. Col. Cole received the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal, and many other decorations.
Freeman, a member of the Easy Company of the U.S. Army’s 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, dropped from a plane onto French territory on D-Day, June 6, 1944, and continued to fight in the many of the most enduring battles in the war, including Operation Market Garden, Bastogne and the Battle of the Bulge. The combat unit was featured in Stephen Ambrose’s book “Band of Brothers,” which served as the basis for the popular HBO miniseries of the same name.
In conjunction with the meet and greet, pre-signed copies of “Dick Cole’s War: Doolittle Raider, Hump Pilot, Air Commando,” “Project 9: The Birth of the Air Commandos in World War II” will be available for purchase for $40. “Payback Time” art prints will be available for $20. Cole will sign up to two WWII items for $5 each, with all proceeds from book sales and autographs benefiting the General James H. Doolittle Scholarship Fund. The fund awards scholarships of up to $5,000 to college juniors, seniors or graduate students pursuing a degree in aerospace science, aeronautical engineering or a related field at an accredited college or university in the United States. The meet and greet is free and open to the public, but RSVP is requested to 228-386-7138.
At 7 p.m., prior to the start of CIRCOVIA, a special presentation recognizing the two men will be held in Beau Rivage Theatre. Throughout the run of CIRCOVIA (June 7-August 6), military members and their families can receive a four pack of tickets for $30, as a part of the resort’s “Military Monday.” In addition to discounted show tickets, active duty and retired military personnel also receive buy one, get one free at the Beau Rivage Buffet for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Along with “Military Monday” show specials, ticket holders can also take advantage of other offers through August 6. Children under 12 eat free at The Beau Buffet with the purchase of an adult buffet. At BR Prime, Jia, Terrace Café and Coast Seafood & Brew, receive 15 percent off total bill. Ticket holders may also receive 15 percent off regular-priced items in The Promenade Shops and earn double tickets at the arcade.
At MGM Resorts, military appreciation occurs daily, with special offers for all active-duty U.S. military, veterans and their spouses, including 10 percent off room rates and food and beverage outlets, 25 percent off spa services, entertainment discounts and an automatic upgrade to Pearl status and benefits at all M life Rewards destinations nationwide. Visit www.mgmresorts.com/military for more information.