Remember Chicago Sun-Times columnist Irv Kupcinet? For 50 years, Kup’s Purple Heart Cruise delighted scores of beloved veterans.

Kup’s annual outing on Lake Michigan entertained thousands of military men and women until his health declined in 1995. Without its founder at the helm, Kup’s cruise was dry-docked for more than a decade. Although Kupcinet died in 2003, the Purple Heart Cruise was relaunched in 2007 by Kup’s grandson, Dave Kupcinet.

“My favorite part of the cruise is seeing the veterans enjoying the cruise and seeing the looks on their faces.” he said. “It’s seeing them feel appreciated for what they’ve done.”

Fueled by his grandfather Kup’s desire to honor soldiers who have served our country, Dave Kupcinet has registered 500 veterans for the 2008 cruise. Currently, he is seeking donations and sponsors to create an event featuring talented performers and a tantalizing smorgasbord to lift the spirits of his venerable veterans. Each $100 donation will provide a complimentary trip for one veteran.

“My grandfather was just such an inspiration throughout my life. People often say I have his mannerisms and his spirit,” Dave Kupcinet said. “To me, he was the definition of how you’re supposed to be, so nobody could pay me a better compliment.

“There are three things that are required as a male of the Kupcinet family: You have to acquire an appetite for football and Italian beef sandwiches from Mr. Beef. And you must have an appreciation for veterans, for anyone who ever wore the uniform,” he added. “My grandfather used to tell me memories of when he was a little boy seeing soldiers coming home from World War II with horrible injuries. He didn’t see the level of care provided for every step of the way. Those memories lingered.”

In 1945, Irv Kupcinet wanted to raise awareness of some of the hardships the veterans were facing. So with backing of the Sun-Times, he started his Purple Heart Cruise.

Clearly, Dave Kupcinet, 30, is a man on a mission to maintain his grandfather’s legacy. On Thursday, July 31, the 2008 Kup’s Purple Heart Cruise will set sail with a whole new generation of courageous troops returning home from battle, bearing both physical and mental life-altering injuries.   

Disabled veteran Dan Casara so thoroughly enjoyed last year’s Purple Heart Cruise that he is waiting eagerly for the 2008 cruise to begin. As a former Army Sergeant in DCO1/184th INFAASLT, Casara served in Iraq until he was injured in an explosion on Sept. 23, 2005.

“I was injured by a roadside bomb. I was inside a tank when it exploded, killing two soldiers and injuring four others,” he said. “I sustained right leg bilateral fractures in my tibia and fibula, a dislocated right hip (and) shattered heel and ankle bones in both feet. I’ve had 24 surgeries. I have a titanium rod in my left leg, and both ankles have titanium screws.

“The Purple Heart Cruise was a great experience. I’m looking forward to going on the cruise this year with my wife, Gabrielle. Dave is very passionate about the event and doing everything he can to help the veterans make the transition,” Casara added. “He’s keeping the veterans motivated, making their lives a little bit easier by giving them an option for fun. I’m taking my injuries better. Attending this event makes my injuries not matter so much.”

If you are interested in making a donation or becoming a sponsor for the 2008 Kup’s Purple Heart Cruise, contact Dave Kupcinet at (773) 398-1471 or Laura Anderson at (630) 833-7722. You can also visit the Web site at www.kupspurpleheartfoundation.org.