Honoring Heroes of Vietnam
Pamela Hall
Ashland Beacon
The Poage Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution hosted a luncheon for Vietnam veterans on Sunday, March 12 at the Ashland Transportation Center. The event was more than just a luncheon, however. It was a “Welcome Home” for many that they didn’t receive 50 years ago.
“Honoring Heroes” was attended by about 60 veterans of the Vietnam War from Boyd, Carter, and Greenup Counties, including one female veteran. Dignitaries at the state level in attendance were Commissioner Whitney Allen from the KY Department of Veterans Affairs, and Mrs. Leslie Miller, DAR National VP General and Honorary State Regent.
Following a welcome by Poage Chapter DAR Regent Cheryl Spriggs and Commissioner Allen, the Chaplain of AMVETS Post 95, Mike Wurts, led those in attendance in the Pledge to the American Flag. Ashland Paul Blazer JROTC performed the Presentation of Colors. Victor Wilson, a local Vietnam veteran, sang the National Anthem followed by the recitation of the Preamble to the Constitution and the American’s Creed, led by Poage Chapter DAR members Marsha Zachem and Teresa Hardesy, respectively. A moment of silence was also observed to honor those who gave their lives.
Ashland Mayor Matt Perkins read a proclamation, designating that the day was set aside in Ashland to honor Vietnam veterans and thank them for their service.
“It was Ashland’s honor to be the host city for the DAR Vietnam Veterans luncheon,” the Mayor stated following the event. “The sacrifices made by our veterans and their families, for our nation, shall never be forgotten.”
One of the most emotional and moving presentations was The Missing Man Table and Honors Ceremony. Five members of the Ashland Paul Blazer JROTC marched in, each carrying a cap from a branch of the military. They circled an empty table with five place settings, drink glasses inverted, chairs draped with a POW-MIA drape, a lit candle and vase with a rose placed in the center of the table. A sixth JROTC member explained the ceremony as each member slowly placed each cap, facing outward, on the table, then saluted. They marched out as the sixth member snuffed out the candle. The beautiful ceremony brought tears to the eyes of many.
Following the delicious meal prepared by Brenda Barnhill Catering, Keynote Speaker Command Sargent Major (Retired, US Army) Mike Maynard honored the veterans. He included some statistics concerning those that served from Boyd, Carter, and Greenup Counties. There were 36 casualties from the three counties; 36 men who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of our country. Those casualties ranged in age from 19 to 56.
“Recognition…,” said Maynard soberly, “it’s the right thing to do.”
This was the second luncheon that the Poage Chapter DAR has had in Boyd County. They have previously had three luncheons in Greenup County and one in Carter County.
Certificates were given to those veterans attending a luncheon for the first time. As one veteran received his certificate, he moved some to tears as he spoke up about how this was finally the welcome home that they needed.
“I think most people don’t understand the bond that service members have,” said another veteran, Michael Zachem, who served in the US Navy. “It’s a special bond. Veterans share a unique experience, having served our country. This luncheon helps to strengthen that bond.”
“Poage Chapter Daughters are proud to have had a very successful event to honor and welcome home our Vietnam Veterans,” said Cheryl Spriggs. “So many local men and women served our country during the Vietnam War era and we were able to thank them in a very meaningful way. We believe they are all patriots and heroes.”
National Vietnam War Veterans Day is March 29. It is fitting that we all say a heartfelt “thank you” in appreciation to those who have served our great country and to also remember those that sacrificed their lives. Let us never forget!
