Honoring our Vietnam Veterans
Pamela Hall
Ashland Beacon
The Poage Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution is committed to promoting patriotism in the area. Part of their mission toward that commitment is to honor Vietnam veterans. In fulfillment of that mission, they are hosting a luncheon to honor the veterans of the Vietnam conflict.
“Honoring Heroes”, a Vietnam Veterans Appreciation Luncheon, will be held Sunday, March 12 at 12:30 p.m. at the Ashland Transportation Center, 99 15th Street, near the Port of Ashland riverfront. The Keynote Speaker will be Command Sargent Major Mike Maynard, U.S. Army, Retired. Those wishing to attend may register by calling 606.401.2121. The deadline for registration is March 8.
“We love doing this,” said Cheryl Spriggs, Regent for the Poage Chapter DAR. “We try to do it as close to National Vietnam Veterans Day as possible.”
According to www.vietnamwar50th.com, the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017 was signed into law by President Donald Trump. The Act designates that National Vietnam Veterans Day will be observed on March 29 each year. That date is significant and was chosen because Vietnam was officially disestablished on March 29,1973 by the United States Military Assistance Command and the last U.S. combat troops departed Vietnam on that date. Therefore, the day is set aside to honor and thank Vietnam veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice. The commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the conflict will continue through 2025.
The “Honoring Heroes” luncheon is the second one that the Poage Chapter DAR has had in Boyd County. The Poage Chapter, which covers three counties, Boyd, Carter, and Greenup, has also held three of the luncheons in Greenup County and one in Carter County. Attendance usually averages between 85 – 135 people.
Those attending the luncheon will enjoy a delicious catered meal, which includes an American flag made of cupcakes for dessert. They will have an opportunity to win door prizes as well.
Along with Keynote Speaker Maynard, the event will also include an official Proclamation given by Ashland Mayor, Matt Perkins, and Presentation of Colors by the Ashland JROTC. Certificates and medals will be given to each veteran in appreciation of their service.
“We want to honor them,” Spriggs emphasized. “The Vietnam veterans didn’t receive a hero’s welcome when they returned from the war like the veterans of other wars. We want them to know that we appreciate their service to our country.”
Make sure to thank a veteran not only on the holidays that are set aside for their honor, but any time you find that you are in their presence. Let’s show true patriotism, not only by loving and being devoted to our country, but by honoring and showing appreciation to those that have served and fought for the freedoms that we enjoy.
