Vietnam War Veterans to be Honored Wednesday at Courthouse Memorial

20230327 Kcwarmemorialforweb — VETERANS WILL GATHER around the memorial on the Kerr County Courthouse grounds, 700 Main Street in Kerville, at noon on Wednesday for a National Vietnam War Veterans Day program. March 29 is the 50th anniversary of the day the last American combat troops left Vietnam and this program will give the community a chance to pay proper tribute to those service men and women who served and sacrificed loyally to this country. – Photo courtesy Kerr County Public Relations Director Lisa Walter

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All Vietnam War veterans, their family members and friends, as well as all citizens are invited to a free program on Wednesday, March 29, in observance of National Vietnam War Veterans Day.

The observance will begin at noon and last approximately a half hour around the war memorial on the grounds of the Kerr County Courthouse, 700 Main Street. Limited cement bench seating will be available, but attendees are welcome to bring their own lawn chairs.

“50 years ago, the Vietnam War ended. I don’t think we need a history lesson to remember how poorly our citizens treated those soldiers upon their return. We have an opportunity. It is never too late to recognize their service,” U.S. Army Lt. General Michael L. Oates (ret.) told the Kerr County Commissioners’ Court at its March 13 meeting as permission was sought to use the county grounds to host the event. “We appreciate the commissioners’ support in just saying thanks to those who are still with us. Who answered the bell and served their country in Vietnam,” Oates said.

This event is not to commemorate the war, but rather to honor the extraordinary contributions and sacrifices of those who served, Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly added.

The Vietnam War was a divisive issue within the United States. So much so that Vietnam War veterans never received the recognition and praise that was given to returning veterans of earlier wars. This event, organized by the Kerr County Veterans Service office and the Kerr County Veterans Service Advisory Committee, attempts to remedy that situation.

Order of Service

U.S. Marine Corps veteran Jeff Harris will serve as the master of ceremony. The order of service will include the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, an invocation, a proclamation reading by Kerrville Mayor Judy Eychner, a proclamation reading by Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly and a benediction.

In case of foul weather, the event will move indoors to the Hill Country Youth Event Center, 3785 TX27 in Kerrville.

March 29 marks the 50th anniversary of the final day that U.S. combat troops departed Vietnam and the date that the U.S. Military Assistance Command was disestablished. In 1973, the homecoming those service members received (more often than not) was less than what they deserved. This program gives the community an opportunity to properly thank these men and women for their commitment and duty to this country.

In 2012, President Barack Obama signed a presidential proclamation designating March 29 for the annual observance of Vietnam War Veterans Day. In 2017, President Donald Trump signed the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017, which amended the flag code to include National Vietnam War Veterans Day as a day on which the U.S. flag should be flown.