On Saturday, March 29 Balmoral Park will play host to the 13th annual Harold Zahn Purple Heart Memorial Race.
Zahn was a die-hard race fan ever since returning from Europe where he earned two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division during WWII.
His oldest son, Dale, was with him the last time he attended the races, watched from his usual second floor clubhouse perch at the Crete, Illinois track where he spent much of his leisure time during his retirement years even though his health was failing.
“Dad loved his family, his country, the Military Order of The Purple Heart and of course, Harness Racing,” said Dale.
When Harold passed, Dale and his wife, LaVonne, discussed a tribute to keep Harold’s memory alive. On the very date of Harold’s birthday in April, 2002, a small group of family gathered at Balmoral to host a blanket presentation race which was won by one of his favourite drivers, Tony Morgan. Sam Lilly of the IHHA presented an autographed whip in the winner’s circle signed by many of the sport’s top drivers, including Morgan, Dave Magee and Andy Miller. In the years that followed, the race gathered more attention and more attendance. USTA CEO Mike Tanner, racing board officials and others have all taken note and have been there.
On the 10th anniversary of the race, guests came from six different states. Since Harold, a resident of Park Forest, Illinois was actively involved in the Purple Heart Organization, Dale and his wife changed the approach a bit and re-named it in honour not only of Harold, but in honour of all Purple Heart Veterans – thus the presentation of a Purple and White blanket to the winning team each year. Members of the Purple Heart have provided the Color Guard holding the flags in the winner’s circle during the singing of the National Anthem and will do so once again this year as the State Commander, State Finance Officer and State President of the Ladies Auxiliary take part.
Simply put, Harold would have loved this – he’d have been very proud, not for himself as much as for recognition of all the Veterans, those in particular that earned the Purple Heart. Harold was a husband, father, grandfather, and, as Dale puts it, “just a great man, a humble patriotic hero that enjoyed being a common race fan.” There is no better way to keep his memory alive.
“It’s hard to believe we’ve been doing this for 13 years. It seems like it all began yesterday. We’re looking forward to another great event.”