A group of patriots representing the Military Order of The Purple Heart proudly displayed the flags prior to the Saturday night racing program at Balmoral Park.
The event was in honour of the 10th anniversary of the Harold Zahn Purple Heart Memorial Race, and Mandy Zahn, Harold's only granddaughter, performed the U.S. National Anthem live from the track’s winner’s circle.
Purple Hearter’s were led by State Commander, Dan Finn and his wife, Christina. Mr. Zahn would have been 89 years old on Saturday. He was a great fan of harness racing and a devoted father, grandfather and patriotic American. His oldest son, Dale, was guest announcer between the fourth and fifth races and announced the post parade after which he joined family and friends and Purple Hearters in the winner’s circle. Appearing with the group in the charmed circle representing the Illinois Racing Board was Angelo ‘Sam’ Ciambrone, a longtime friend of the Zahn’s.
As the flag bearers were waiting for the anthem to begin there was literally no breeze and flags were limp. As if on cue, when Mandy began to sing, the wind came up, the flags unfurled and the Purple Heart flag opened up to display Chapter 252 which was captured in numerous photos.
Chapter 252 was Harold's club, in Chicago Heights, Illinois. Several commented that Harold and his wife, Marian, must have been choreographing the event and smiling down on the festivities from the Heavenly Downs in the sky.
(USHWA)