The event will include several tributes, presentations and a guest speaker. Randy Ark, a Vietnam veteran, Purple Heart recipient and advocate for area veterans, who is helping organize this year’s event, said he is pleased its being presented again.
While Vietnam veterans gatherings are now common, Ark recalled a time when it was hard for those who served in that war. When leaving Oakland, Calif. on his way home with several colleagues, they were warned by a sergeant not to wear their uniforms in public, not to put anything about Vietnam on their job resumes and not to talk about it.
“These gatherings mean a lot to Vietnam veterans,” he said. “To be surrounded by those who have had similar experiences is a comforting feeling, to be in a place where you are welcomed and appreciated and acknowledged. All are welcome here: friends, family and any veterans.”
The ceremony will begin with an invocation, the posting of colors and the Pledge of Allegiance. The Lagonda Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will present a wreath dedicated to Vietnam veterans.
“These ladies are some of the most patriotic I’ve ever encountered,” Ark said.
Guests will include Brad Boyer of National Trail Parks and Recreation, who will give an update on the Clark County Veterans Memorial Park, Jim Ryan of the Veterans Commission, who will discuss services the organization offers, and members of the Tuskegee Airmen.
Ark said he will give comments on why Vietnam Veterans Day of Remembrance on March 29 is so significant and read the declaration by President Barack Obama.
Dr. James Thomas Hardy, chief of staff at Dayton VA Health Care, will be the keynote speaker. Hardy is an Army veteran, who began as an infantry platoon leader and served as an Army Ranger and advisor to Vietnamese infantry units.
He attended medical school in 1976 and has gone on to serve in many leadership positions and retired after 20 years of active service.
The event will conclude with a CAP ceremony, 21-gun salute and the playing of taps.
Gregory Tucker, a Veteran Outreach Specialist from Dayton, will have a table set up with gifts and informational flyers for the veterans and family members present.
Following the event, food and drinks and a lunch will be available.
“I hope we have a good turnout especially for those who may have questions about what services are available to veterans and what compensations they may qualify for,” Ark said.
For more information on the Day of Remembrance, contact Bobby Crabtree at Bcrabtree11@woh.rr.com.
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