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Freedoms Foundation
at Valley Forge
Broward County Chapter
P.O. Box 4116
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33338
© 2009
Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge
Broward County Florida Chapter
National Award Recipient 2009
Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery
Recipient Project Name Award Category
Steve Amerson
Granada Hills, CA
Blades of Grass and Pure White Stones Public Communications
Steve Amerson
Steve Amerson
In his beautiful tenor voice Steve sings Blades of Grass and Pure White Stones on a moving video, a backdrop for the stirring musical and lyrical profundity of the song. Steve says, “We honor the men and women of America's Armed Services, past and present, for their gift of freedom to all of us living today. This tribute is a reminder to us all, ‘lest we forget their sacrifice.’ Thank you for taking the time to reflect on the memory of our fallen heroes.”

The idea for the song originated with Senator Orrin Hatch from Utah as a reflection of his feelings about his brother who gave his life during a bombing raid in World War II. Veteran song writing team Lowell Alexander and Phil Naish joined forces with Senator Hatch to write this patriotic song which captures the meaning of American sacrifice and pride.
Steve's distribution of the video reminds us that the freedom we enjoy — and must never take for granted — has come at a high price. We've cultivated it in our sacred gardens, by the lives of those who lay there in final rest. “Freedom's seeds in sorrow sown 'neath blades of grass and pure white stones.”
Steve was not present to receive his George Washington Honor Medal, but his award winning video was played as part of the program. One chapter member was so moved watching the video and listening to the words that she cried.
Watch the video on Steve's Web Site
Click here to return to 2009 National Awards Recipients page.