Westgate Resorts Proudly Supports U.S. Military and POW/MIA

Jan. 31, 2012 - PRLog -- In 1990, the 101st Congress passed a law recognizing the National League of Families POW/MIA flag. That flag was designated as a symbol of our nation’s concern and commitment to resolving as fully as possible the fates of Americans still prisoner, missing and unaccounted for in Southeast Asia, thus ending the uncertainty for their families and the nation.

The flag, which has since become a symbol for POW/MIAs from all U.S. wars, is a powerful representation of the price America’s military heroes may pay for the good of our freedom. Congress also set aside the third Friday of September each year as National POW/MIA Recognition Day as a time to remember those missing soldiers who never came home.

Now the POW/MIA flag has been raised at Westgate Resorts as a sign of the company’s commitment to U.S. war veterans.

“As both a veteran and a proud American, I am honored to support the mission of Rolling Thunder, Inc.,” stated David Siegel, President and CEO of Westgate Resorts.

“We believe that it is our duty as a corporate citizen to support the veterans, POWs, MIAs and their families who have given so much for our country.”

On Jan. 14, 2012, Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa in Orlando hosted a POW-MIA Flag Raising Ceremony held by Rolling Thunder® Inc. Florida Chapters 1, 6 & 8.

The ceremony, which took place at the main entrance to Westgate Lakes, featured a color guard, singing of the National Anthem and several speakers including William (Bill) Arcuri, an ex-Viet Nam POW and Westgate Resorts Chief Operating Officer Mark Waltrip. The event culminated with the emotional raising of a POW-MIA flag.

The special event earned the heartfelt thanks of the Rolling Thunder and its Chapter 6 president, Kat Mc. “I want to thank each and every one of you for attending and making the Flag raising at Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa a success! With a special thank you to Mark Waltrip, Christopher Imperiale and all the Westgate employees for all their support. We recognize your commitment to our Veteran’s and look forward to working with you again,” stated Kat in a follow up thank you note.

Photos of the event can be found on the Rolling Thunder chapter’s Flickr page at:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rolling_thunder_fl_6/

The flag raising ceremony marked the second major military event sponsored by Westgate Resorts over the last few months. The first, a Westgate Resort Military Appreciation Program, recognized the valiant U.S. military personnel involved in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom and the War on Terror.

As a way of saying thank you for their dedication and service to our country, Westgate Resorts provided 1,000 free 3-day/2-night vacation packages to military personnel. The vacation giveaway was valid for stays at Westgate’s Orlando area resorts including Westgate Vacation Villas, Westgate Lakes, Westgate Town Center and Westgate Towers.

The popular free vacations were quickly snapped up during the first day of the promotion. Westgate Resorts continues to share its pride in the U.S. military by providing government and military employees a 10% discount off the best available rate.

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Founded in 1982, Westgate Resorts offers affordable yet spacious and luxurious, family-friendly resort accommodations in popular vacation destinations including Orlando, Myrtle Beach, Gatlinburg, Las Vegas, Park City, Branson and Williamsburg.