Elizabeth Maxwell Steele DAR Regent, Kim Edds, stands in front of a display honoring Vietnam War Veterans at the commemoration ceremony in Salisbury, NC.
Recognition and Thanks At Last
The United States of America along with individuals and organizations across this country are finally recognizing the bravery and sacrifice of the Vietnam War Veterans. In September, the Elizabeth Maxwell Steele Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution along with the Central Carolina Chapter of the Military Officer Association of America (MOAA) recognized forty-two Vietnam Veterans during a commemoration ceremony at the Rufty-Holmes Senior Center in Salisbury, NC.
The Vietnam Veterans were honored with a certificate of service, a label pin and a proclamation signed by President Obama commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War. Each veteran also received a bumper sticker that said, Vietnam Veteran-I Served.
DAR member Cathy Foster spent hours planning and co-ordinating the event, with others stepping up to make the ceremony a success through volunteering time, money and donations. Local caterer, Debbie Suggs donated a delicious meal which included country-style steak, vegetables, bread and dessert. Retired Rowan County District Attorney Bill Kenerly was the keynote speaker. Serving in Vietnam as a U.S. Marine, he shared not only about his time there, but also about other men he knew who didn’t make it home.
During the ceremony as each veteran received their certificate, the emotions felt could be seen in their eyes. Some fought back tears. Others said this was the first time they had been thanked. One of the veterans being honored served in three wars. Colonel John Gray not only served in World War II, Korea and Vietnam, but suffered injuries in all three. Now in his 90’s, he has written Called to Honor, a book about his experiences available on Amazon.com.
At the closing of the ceremony I had the privilege and honor to deliver the benediction, thanking God for opening our eyes to the importance of recognizing those who served in Vietnam. In some small way, hopefully this gives closure to a generation who did what their country called them to do. A certificate or a thank-you can’t erase the horrors of war, but it’s a start.
Do you know someone who served in Vietnam? Call and say thanks. You never know when it will be too late.
Thank you,
Dicy
www.dicymcculloughbooks.com/blog
