The Veterans Inaugural Committee Announces Drew Carey as Emcee of the 2017 Veterans Inaugural Ball

As a veteran of the United States Marine Corps Reserves, Carey will lead an evening when the newly elected commander-in-chief honors our nation's Medal of Honor recipients.

News provided by

The American Legion

Sep 26, 2016, 11:53 ET

WASHINGTON, Sept. 26, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Legion and Veterans Inaugural Committee are proud to announce that Drew Carey will be the emcee for the Veterans Inaugural Ball — a Salute to Heroes. The ball will be held on January 20, 2017, at the Renaissance Hotel in Washington, D.C. This historical event was started in 1953 at the request of President Dwight Eisenhower. The former general envisioned the ball as a way the newly sworn in commander-in-chief would be able to pay tribute to Medal of Honor recipients.

Carey is a comedian, actor, author and current host of the popular CBS game show "The Price is Right." Carey spent six years in the United States Marine Corps Reserves and is a tireless supporter of the military, veterans, servicemembers and their families.

The Veterans Inaugural Ball is hosted by The American Legion and other members of the Veterans Inaugural Committee, including Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S., Paralyzed Veterans of America, Vietnam Veterans of America, AMVETS, The Congressional Medal of Honor Society, Reserve Officers Association, Blinded Veterans Association, Jewish War Veterans of the USA, American Ex-Prisoners of War, Marine Corps League, The Retired Enlisted Association and Non Commissioned Officers Association.

"I am proud and honored to be a part of such a momentous event," said Carey. "I look forward to paying tribute to my fellow veterans and the Medal of Honor recipients."

"The American Legion would like to thank Drew Carey for his service to our country and lending his talents to this event. We know with him behind the microphone everyone in attendance will have a fantastic time," said American Legion National Commander Charles E. Schmidt. "It is only fitting that on the night the new commander-in-chief takes office, the opportunity is given to thank the bravest of the brave — our nation's Medal of Honor recipients — in person and we are proud to provide that opportunity once again."

The night's entertainment will also include performances from The American Bombshells, Janine Stange and renowned band, Free Spirit. Individuals who wish to attend can do so by purchasing a $300 ticket at www.legion.org/veteransball. Tickets include reception, dinner, dessert, cash bar and entertainment. Information on sponsorships, premium packages and table purchases are also available by emailing [email protected].

About The American Legion
The American Legion is the largest wartime veterans service organization with 2.2 million members in more than 13,000 posts in communities across America. The Legion, established by an act of Congress in 1919, was instrumental in getting the original GI Bill through Congress and creating the Department of Veterans Affairs.

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SOURCE The American Legion