Honor Vietnam Era Veterans tomorrow at the Capitol

Vietnam-era veterans, their families, and the public are invited to attend a “Welcome Home” pinning and name reading program at the State Capitol Campus Vietnam Memorial Wall in Olympia, 12:30 pm on Veterans Day, Friday, November 11.

Vietnam Veterans are identified as those who served from Nov. 1, 1955 through May 15, 1975 at any location. 

The Sacajawea Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is coordinating the event in partnership with The USA Vietnam War 50th Commemoration Committee. Members of the DAR will read the names of the Washington State fallen soldiers, as inscribed on the Memorial Wall. Vietnam-era veterans will be pinned with the Vietnam Veteran Lapel pin, created to be a lasting memento of the nation's thanks. The keynote speaker is Colonel Paul T. Sellars, SF, Chief of Staff, Washington Army National Guard. Bagpiper Bev York of the DAR will perform to honor the fallen and the George Rogers Clark Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution and Sacajawea DAR, in colonial garb, will post colors.

“We are thrilled to be able to honor our beloved Vietnam-era veterans again this year,” organizer Franida Maudsley commented. “Rumor has it that we will have at least one Vietnam Veteran Army Nurse – and she is 100 years old! I also want to say that we so appreciate the hard work of the Capitol Campus Enterprise Services who make these sorts of events possible, with their excellent maintenance of the grounds.”

The event will be held at Vietnam Memorial Wall on the grounds of the State Capitol. The memorial wall is set east of the state Insurance building on the State Capitol Campus, near the Winged Victory Monument. Canopies will be in place for attendees in case of inclement weather. Those attending are encouraged to bring their own chairs.