Several Vietnam War veterans in Delta finally got to hear the words denied them when they returned to America so many years ago.
“Welcome Home.”
The American Legion Post 373 of Delta hosted a special Veterans Day weekend event Nov. 13 to honor any veteran of the era. The post offered a catered meal and a drawing for prizes as well as having a special photo taken of all the veterans and then another of the veterans and their wives.
The post has about 40 Vietnam veterans on its roster, but not all attended, Post Commander Teresa Loga said.
At the ceremony, Loga said a woman told her the event was the first time anyone did “anything for her husband.”
The veterans were invited to the front of the dais to announce their names and to receive a pin and proclamation from President Obama announcing a 12-year commemoration the 50th anniversary of America’s participation in the conflict (2013-2025).
Surviving spouses received pins and proclamations as well.
The ceremony concluded with a sendoff to Post Everlasting, reciting the names of the veterans in the area who died in the past two years.
Loga said the idea for the special day came from Legion officials who urged posts to do something to honor the men and women who served.
James Pruitt may be reached at publisher@thevillagereporter.com