Fleur de Lis puts on sixth annual event

Retired U.S. Marine Corps captain and Medal of Honor recipient Wesley L. Fox will be the featured speaker Nov. 16 at the sixth annual Fleur de Lis, which celebrates the support the local Boy Scout club receives from the community.

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Denise Rosenzweig, one of the Fleur de Lis organizers, said retired United States Air Force Maj. Gen. Perry Smith of Augusta, a member of the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation board of directors and a supporter of the scouting organization, helped secure Fox as the keynote speaker.

"He personally recruits the guest of honor each year, not only for the Boy Scouts, but for other appearances throughout the CSRA during his visit," Rosenzweig said.

Fox was cited for "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as commanding officer of Company A, in action against the enemy in the northern A Shau Valley" during his service in the Vietnam War, according to his Medal of Honor citation.

Fox was wounded during an enemy attack, but continued to "direct the activity of his company. Advancing through enemy fire, he personally neutralized one enemy position and calmly ordered an assault against the hostile replacements." The hostile forces retreated and a large bunker complex was destroyed.

The Fleur de Lis has grown in size and scouting support.

"The primary audience consists of scouting supporters who believe in the values of patriotism and honor," said Rosenzweig. "It allows citizens to pay respect to those who have given so much in defense of our country and, at the same time, support an organization that is building tomorrow's leaders today."

The deadline for reservations is Friday. It begins at 7 p.m. Nov. 16 at West Lake Country Club and includes dinner and a silent auction. For information, call (706) 733-5277.