Welcome Home Vietnam Vets Event a Success

The second annual "Welcome Home Vietnam Vets" Event last Friday March 30 was deemed a success by organizers. The Veterans Affairs Committee was hoping for a crowd of 150 or so but by the time the program began at 2:30 p.m. almost 300 people gathered outside the National Guard Armory.

The national resolution was passed by Congress in early March 2011 and will be an annual event set on or about the 30th day of March. The day seeks to recognize those who served their country during the Vietman conflict but were never given the hero's welcome due our fighting men and women.

Friday afternoons event was a combination of tears, reflection, and smiles as those who served were thanked for their service to America. A brief ceremony featured posting of the colors, a moment of reflection for those who paid the ultimate price, a few words and music. "Never again will we allow our fighting men and women to return home without a Hero's welcome", declared Master Sgt. Retired James Goodall.

Veterans were given the opportunity to sign up for benefits, get information about programs available to them, and a quick meeting with representatives from Owensboro Veterans Clinic.

Each Vietman Vet was then presented with a coin as a symbol of their service followed by a meal anf fellowship.

Although it was not planned those in attendance participated as the remains of Korean War Soldier Sgt. Gene Beshear were returned to Owensboro for burial after decades listed as MIA.

The entire 1490 WOMI and Townsquare Media Family want to thank those who served between 1959 and 1974. As the inscription on the coins handed out says: "Time was Served, Time to Honor".  May God Bless each of you.