Luxe Life Blog

Photos: Venetian rolls out red carpet for veterans with Tribute to the Troops

Posted November 14, 2010 • 7:29 a.m.

Tribute to the Troops at The Venetian on Nov. 11, 2010.

Photo: Courtesy

In celebration of Veterans Day, The Venetian is honoring veterans with an over-the-top weekend of entertainment, world-class dining and relaxation. Nearly 75 Wounded Warriors and their families arrived to a heartwarming red carpet welcome Thursday in The Venetian’s Grand Colonnade, and more than 1,000 hotel guests and Venetian team members cheered on the veterans as they proceeded through the crowd to the welcoming ceremony.

Internationally respected philanthropists Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson, chairman of the board and CEO of Las Vegas Sands, attended the ceremony featuring the Nellis Air Force Base Honor Guard and “America’s Tenor” Steve Amerson, who sang the national anthem. Sen. John Ensign, Congressman-elect Dr. Joe Heck, American Airlines’ Bob Reding, ThanksUSA’s Bob Okun and Las Vegas Sands Corp. President Michael Leven all addressed the crowd of Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps veterans, expressing their gratitude for their courage and sacrifice.

This year marks the fifth time Miriam and Sheldon have hosted the nation’s Wounded Warriors to say thank you and to honor their service and bravery. “You’re getting thanked in this amazing way, having an amazing weekend in Vegas,” said Army veteran Bryant Jacobs, wounded while serving in Iraq. “How could you not get teary eyed?”

While many in the audience were choked up at the ceremony, the veterans have a fun-filled weekend ahead. During their stay at The Venetian, they’ll enjoy a performance of Blue Man Group with a VIP reception, a concert with country legend Clint Black, a concert by actor and singer Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band, skydiving exhibitions, shopping, city tours, spa treatments and all-suite accommodations.

Stars and Stripes Foundation at The Mirage

Meantime, The Mirage welcomed the Stars and Stripes Foundation, a military organization that raises funds for Wounded Warriors and their families, to the resort Friday for a weekend of accommodations and activities. Letters from President Felix Rappaport and VP of Hotel Operations Franz Kallao were placed inside each room, along with welcome bags including candy from the Sugar Factory.

The in-room channel, The Mirage marquee and additional signage throughout the property also welcomed the group. The Stars and Stripes Foundation stay includes breakfast each morning at Cravings Buffet, tickets to Terry Fator and a VIP meet-and-greet with Terry after the show. Felix and The Mirage were presented with a certificate of appreciation from Sgt. Major Mark Christianson, Stars and Stripes Foundation vice president, on Friday. One member said, “This is one weekend we will never forget.”

The weekend for our military heroes concludes today with a noon show at The Mirage with ventriloquist impressionist headliner Terry Fator, America’s Got Talent Season 2’s $1 million winner. Remaining tickets for Terry’s performance are available to the public, with proceeds benefiting the United Service Organization (USO). More than 1,500 Venetian team members will send off the Wounded Warriors at 10 a.m. today, with another 1,500 MGM Resorts International employees awaiting their arrival at the Rotunda of The Mirage.

USO Lounge at McCarran

The USO Lounge at McCarran International Airport officially opened Thursday, and Senior Editor John Katsilometes posted a full report of the event in his The Kats Report on LasVegasSun.com, while contributing photographer Tom Donoghue provided a photo gallery.

Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.

Follow Robin Leach on Twitter at Twitter.com/Robin_Leach.

Follow Vegas DeLuxe on Twitter at Twitter.com/vegasdeluxe.

Follow VDLX Editor Don Chareunsy on Twitter at Twitter.com/VDLXEditorDon.

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