Photo Flash: Washington Times Honors America's Veterans with Help of Anthony Kearns and More

The Washington Times honored America's veterans, with an emphasis on the dozens of veterans serving in Congress, in a gala celebration just before Memorial Day on May 21, 2014. The ticketed event took place at the Capitol Hill Club from 6 to 8 p.m. The evening's entertainment was provided by renowned tenor Anthony Kearns, who also performed with the National Symphony Orchestra during the 2014 Memorial Day Concert on PBS. "I was honored to be a part of this year's Memorial Day remembrances," said Mr. Kearns.

Scroll down for photos from the event!

"Anthony Kearns is one of the world's great tenors -- and his performances were a dramatic and poignant part of this year's momentous Memorial Day," said Kirsten Fedewa, Kearns' publicist and agent. "He has a patriot's heart and his voice expresses the myriad of feelings of those called to serve unlike any other singer today."

Mr. Kearns sang two sets during the program, opening with "The Star Spangled Banner," reflecting the patriotic theme of the evening. Other selections included "Ave Maria," which he dedicated to those who fought in the military, as well as "La Vie en Rose," "So Deep is the Night," "South of the Border," and "O Sole Mio."

Kearns was introduced by Sergeant Mary Herrera, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.), a Purple Heart recipient wounded in Iraq. Ms. Herrera is currently a field representative for the Coalition to Salute America's Heroes which supports critically wounded veterans.

One of the evening's featured guests was Rep. Ralph Hall (R-Texas), a World War II veteran who served in the U.S. Navy as an aircraft carrier pilot. Congressman Hall was presented an award recognizing his outstanding public service by decorated veteran, Tony Arterburn.

Dozens of military veteran members of Congress attended the gala, including Rep. Joseph Heck (R-Nev.), a physician who served in the Iraq War; Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska), a veteran of the U.S. Army's 41st Tank Battalion; Rep. Mike Coffman (R-Colo.), an Army and Marine Corps veteran; Rep. Charlie Rangel (D-New York), who received a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star for his service in the U.S. Army in the Korean War; Rep. Ted Poe (R-TX), a U.S. Air Force veteran; Rep. Michael Conaway (R-T.X.), a U.S. Army veteran, and Rep. Sam Johnson (R-Texas), who flew combat missions during the Korean and Vietnam Wars and endured nearly seven years as a prisoner of war in Hanoi.

Said Congressman Charlie Rangel (D-NY): "When you're on the battlefield, no one checks out your [party] registration."

Other lawmakers who attended the event included Sen. Ted Cruz (R-T.X.), Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Rep. Blake Farenthold (R-T.X.), and others, along with senior Administration, Pentagon officials, and media members.
The Washington Times' editorial page editor, David Keene, served as emcee, and the Anacostia Marine Color Guard presented the U.S. flag during the official ceremony.

A portion of the evening's proceeds will benefit Caring for Military Families, an outreach of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation.

About Anthony Kearns: Anthony Kearns, considered Ireland's foremost tenor, is known for his decade of collaboration with the PBS super group, The Irish Tenors, whose recordings have achieved double-platinum sales. He performed last year at a special luncheon hosted by Speaker John Boehner for 100 bipartisan members of Congress in March 2013 and also at a pre-Inaugural brunch hosted by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, General Martin Dempsey, for Medal of Honor recipients. Kearns recently released his first solo CD, "With a Song in My Heart."