Vietnam Veterans of America chapter 388 placed a wreath at a previous National Vietnam War Veterans Day ceremony at Mills Park.
Photo by Steve Ranson.
Fifty years ago next week marks a major milestone for the United States military when all combat troops exited South Vietnam on March 29, 1973, two months after the signing of the Paris Peace Accords.
Coinciding with the withdrawal of troops was also the release of American prisoners of war by the North Vietnamese government.
National Vietnam War Veterans Day on March 29 officially honors the 9 million military men and women who served both in Southeast Asia and other duty stations at home and around the world during the 1960s and 70s. President Barack Obama proclaimed March 29, 2012, as Vietnam Veterans Day, and President Donald J. Trump signed the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017 almost six years ago.
Two local Vietnam Veterans of America chapters, however, will recognize the annual National Vietnam War Veterans Day on Saturday so more people may attend the ceremonies.
VVA chapter 388 in Carson City begins the observances with a ceremony at Mills Park beginning at 11 a.m. During the ceremony near the Vietnam memorial, chapter President Tom Spencer said each name of a Nevadan killed during the Vietnam War will be read with the tolling of the bell to follow, and then taps will be played.
Spencer said the ceremony will last about an hour so attendees have enough time to travel to the remembrance ceremony in Sparks.
“Let Freedom Ring” is this year’s theme for the second ceremony at the Nevada Veterans Memorial Plaza, 300 Howard Drive on the west side of the Sparks Marina.
J.R. Stafford, president of the VVA 989, and Sparks City Councilman Kristopher Dahir, who is also a member NVMP, will welcome guests at the beginning of the formal ceremony. The public is welcome to attend the ceremony at 2 p.m. Prior to the ceremony, Stafford said outreach tables featuring different military and military-related organizations will be available to answer questions and to distribute material pertinent to their mission.
Remembering veterans who served during the Vietnam War is important for Stafford. He served in South Vietnam with the U.S. Air Force and completed a four-decade career in the U.S Coast Guard Reserve. Stafford spent parts of 1967 and 1968 at Da Nang Air Base as a Morse intercept operator with the 6924th Security Squadron.
According to Stafford, Saturday’s ceremony will also honor veterans from Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan with a tribute to Gold Star families. His favorite saying incorporates all veterans, but specifically those from Iraq and Afghanistan who join their brothers and sisters from Vietnam:
“Never again will one generation of veterans abandon another!”
Stafford said three wreaths will also be placed beginning with the Vietnam War veterans, all veterans and the Gold Star families.
This year’s guest speaker is Nevada Lt. Gov. Stavros Anthony, and Army veteran 1st Lt. Andy LePeilbet, who served in Vietnam and was a recipient of the Silver and Bronze stars, will read “These Honored Dead” and a poem, “Why I
IN MEMORIAM
The fallen Nevada Vietnam veterans include seven Carson City residents: Sgt. Daniel L. Ackerman, Petty Officer 3 Michael A. Bodamer, Cpl. David. L. Collins, Spec. 4 Danny L. Smothers, Lance Cpl. Keith D. Taylor, Cmdr. Frederick H. Whittemore and Cpl. James R. Willis.
Other area veterans include Cpl. Dale Eugene Hutchins, Douglas County, and Sgt. Danny Gerald Studdard, Virginia City.
Stand.”