Luncheon honors Vietnam War veterans
Published 12:02 am Thursday, March 31, 2022
Captain Richard Williams-USN-retired, was attached to the Marines. Submitted photo
Jane Smith-Steinberg, left, and Judy Crook, both daughters of WWII veterans, stand with Jim Deal. Submitted photo
Flags from each branch of service along with POW flags. Submitted photo
Table for the departed — Submitted photo
Tom Harrell, seated, joins Melissa Deal Waller and Jim Deal. Submitted photo
Troy Horton organizer and master of ceremonies — submitted photo
Marine table — submitted photo
Ronnie Smith — submitted photo
The Color Guard at Tuesday’s ceremony. Submitted photo
Jim Deal, 99, right, was in General Patton’s tank brigade in Normandy. He’s speaking to a 101-year-old veteran from Asheboro at Tuesday’s event. Submitted photo
Bill Anderson, World War II veteran and Salisbury native, in the forefront as the Veteran’s Honor Guard after posts the colors. Submitted photo
SALISBURY — More than 600 Rowan County and area Vietnam veterans celebrated National Vietnam War Veterans Day on Tuesday with a luncheon and program at the West End Plaza.
U.S. Navy veteran Troy Horton, Rowan County’s 2021 Veteran of the Year, served as chairman and emcee for the annual event, which had been canceled the previous two years due to the pandemic.
In welcoming the veterans and their families, Horton said, “Today, we are proud to observe National Vietnam War Veterans Day throughout our great country. We dedicate this day to the glory of God and in honor and memory of all Vietnam veterans who served our country in the name of freedom. Over 2 million American servicemen and women served in the Vietnam War. Over 58,000 veterans made the ultimate sacrifice.”
In addition to remarks by elected officials, Vietnam veterans U.S. Navy retired Captain Chaplain Rick Williams, U.S. Army retired Brigadier General Mabry E. “Bud” Martin, and U.S. Army retired Lt. Col. John Hedley participated in the program and paid special tribute to our Vietnam veterans.
Martin noted that March 29 is also the 40th anniversary of the National Vietnam War Memorial, known as “The Wall” in Washington, D.C., where the national ceremony was observed Tuesday. It was erected and commemorated by President Ronald Reagan in 1982.
In addition, Martin also noted that this year is the fifth anniversary of the Rowan County Vietnam Veterans Memorial at the Patriots’ Flag Concourse and Memorial at Salisbury’s City Park.
“Today we especially remember the 40 Rowan County Vietnam veterans whose names are etched on this memorial,” Martin said. “Over 40 American flags have been placed at this memorial in honor and memory of our Rowan County veterans.”
In closing remarks, Hedley reminded everyone to continue to keep our pledge to “never forget” by paying special thanks and tribute to all those Vietnam veterans who served our nation and especially to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
“Let us also work to honor, preserve and ensure that current and future generations never forget the service and sacrifices of those who came before us and who we remember today,” said Hedley. “May God bless America!”
