The Pillars Hotel in Fort Lauderdale is pleased to announce that it will be hosting a reception for the officers and spouses/significant others of the USS JASON DUNHAM during the festivities associated with the ship’s commissioning.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL, October 15, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ — On November 9, 2010 The Pillars Hotel in Fort Lauderdale will be hosting a private reception for the officers and guests of the USS JASON DUNHAM in conjunction with the events surrounding the ship’s commissioning.

The USS JASON DUNHAM is the Navy’s most advanced Arleigh Burke Class, Aegis Guided Missile Destroyer and is named after heroic United States Marine Corporal Jason Dunham who sacrificed his life by using his helmet to cover a hand grenade dropped by an insurgent. His spontaneous action saved the lives of two fellow Marines during Operation Iraqi Freedom in April 2004. Jason sustained serious injuries from the blast and died eight days later.

As a result of his heroic deed Marine Corporal Dunham received the first Marine Medal of Honor for Operation Iraqi Freedom and became the first Marine to receive the medal since the Vietnam War. The Congressional Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is awarded to members of the armed forces who distinguish themselves at the risk of their life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an action against an enemy.

The commissioning on November 13 is expected to draw thousands to Port Everglades following a week of events and activities for the crew and their families. The last time a ship was commissioned in Port Everglades was in 2005 and drew a crowd of 5,000. It is anticipated that this commissioning will draw an even larger crowd of patriotic Americans when they learn the story behind this ship’s name.

“The community recognizes the courage and service of our forces and we at The Pillars are very pleased to support this important celebration,” says Pillars owner Michael Landry.

The Pillars Hotel is Fort Lauderdale’s premier boutique hotel. The property is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) and a Conde Nast Johansen selected hotel. Ideally located right on the Intracoastal Waterway, and only a few short steps from the beach, The Pillars offers its guests an exceptional level of individual service and luxury, reminiscent of the finest in European boutique inns.