ORLANDO, FL - Operation Ensuring Christmas ...for Children of Fallen Troops announced today that country music hit maker Michael Peterson was the very special guest aboard OEC’s float in the 2007 Orlando Christmas Parade in Downtown Orlando Florida. Peterson was joined by several Children of US Troops who have lost a parent in service to our nation. Michael and the children road aboard a red white and blue float sponsored for OpChristmas.org by Premier Tech of Orlando Florida.

Peterson is a multiple Grammy and CMA awards nominee whose many hits include ‘Drink, Swear, Steal and Lie’ and the #1 hit ‘From Here To Eternity’. Peterson performed a special new song 'I Remember America' at the parade reviewing stand and performed a solo acoustic concert at Disney’s Amphitheater in Orlando’s Lake Eola Park. The parade was held Saturday, December 15, 2007 at 11:30 AM and the concert followed at 1:30 PM. The Parade with Michaels special performance will air on Superstation WGN on December 23, 2007. Check local listings for details. Peterson will be on tour in ’08 highlighting his new album ‘In Black’ and some of his greatest hits.
 
 

Operation Ensuring Christmas, a 501-c3 not-for-profit, was founded in October 2004 to provide support to the children of fallen American troops. OEC provides the children with VISA Christmas Gift Cards during the holiday season and a VIP AChristmas in July@ Orlando Theme Park vacation. "These children truly are VIPs, Very Important 'Precious lil heroes' who have made the ultimate sacrifice a child can make for their country, the loss of a parent in service to our Nation. The programs from OEC are to help these children ‘be kids again’." OEC founder Robert McDowell.  

OEC and Renn Music Productions also produced 'A lil Heroes Christmas' CD featuring children of the fallen, released on Veterans Day, November 11, 2006. On Saturday October 7, 2006 (the anniversary of the start of Operation Ensuring Freedom), children of fallen troops were in recording studios across the nation singing traditional Christmas songs and original songs written especially for them. The CD made #8 on Billboards new artist charts. The CD is being re-released for the ’07 Christmas Holidays. 100% of the proceeds from the CD go to OEC and it's programs benefiting the Children. The children are also featured in OECs ‘Jingle Bells’ Video available for viewing at www.OpChristmas.org

OEC was thanked by President Bush at the White House for our efforts to support the children. OECs kids are supported directly or indirectly by the NFL=s NE Patriots and other Major sports teams as well as NASCAR, and WWE. OEC is supported by corporations such as Bank of America, AAA Travel and ATK and by Foundations and generous individual Americans.

OEC is a member of AmericaSupportsYou.mil, a nationwide program that recognizes citizen’s support for military men and women.  

For more information on Michael Peterson, his new album ‘In Black’ and his upcoming ’08 tour  visit www.myspace.com/michaelpetersoninfo .

For more information on Operation Ensuring Christmas or the CD, visit www.OpChristmas.org .

To schedule an interview with McDowell or Peterson, e-mail This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it or call 321-251-7850.

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