TAMPA, Fla. — On Saturday night, Tampa Bay 28's Paul LaGrone emceed the 250th Navy Ball — marking the U.S. Navy’s 250th birthday — at The Hard Rock Casino in Tampa.
The event was hosted by Blue Star Families and Tampa Bay Navy League. Over 400 attended.
"It is so important for us to never forget our naval history and what it means to our country, and to make sure that we once found freedom, and continue to fight for our freedom," said Suzy Malloy, executive director of Blue Star Families.
Those in attendance also got the chance to hear about Paul's personal connection to the U.S. Navy through his grandfather.
"I think we're all connected to the Navy in some way — we either served or know someone who has," he said. My grandfather actually was in World War II in the Pacific Theatre and served as a gunner on one of the battleships. And I'm wearing his cufflinks tonight because I thought it would be inspirational — he's with me in spirit."
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