Community Military Appreciation Committee honors Vietnam and Vietnam era veterans on National Vietnam Veterans Day
Paul Valencia
ClarkCountyToday.com
A large crowd gathered Saturday at the Vancouver Mall, with veterans and family members as the guests of honor.
Others who had no idea there was a commemoration on Saturday stopped to take it all in, as well, mesmerized by messages.
It was a Welcome Home Ceremony for Vietnam War and Vietnam War era veterans, appropriately on March 29 — National Vietnam War Veterans Day. It was March 29, 1973 when the last U.S. combat troops departed Vietnam.
“We want to recognize the veterans. We want to give them the applause, the pat on the backs that they richly deserve that they did not get five decades ago,” said Ron Powers, the master of ceremonies of the event.
For years now, the Community Military Appreciation Committee, based in Vancouver, has had a Welcome Home ceremony. It started before the pandemic. This year, the gathering seemed even larger than in the past.
“I just want to honor everybody who is here. I guess you can call me Chief Cheerleader, pep rally specialist,” said Powers, Vietnam era veteran.
Powers recalled what he described as the “dishonor” that Vietnam veterans received when they returned home.
“I want to make up for it. I want to recognize the veterans. I want to give them the recognition they did not receive 50-plus years ago. It’s in my heart to do so,” Powers said.
The ceremony included a speech from Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle. Retired Col. Larry Smith, former mayor pro tem of Vancouver and a Vietnam veteran, also shared some of his experiences.
Minh Pham, who moved to America from Vietnam with his family after the war, thanked the veterans for the life he has led.
“Welcome home. We honor you. Thank you,” Pham said. “Thank you for giving us a home.”
There were moments of reflection as organizers honored the fallen. Glenn Fisher plays Taps.
Many veterans then came up to the stage to share their stories.
Rey Reynolds sang the national anthem and God Bless the USA. Annette Allen performed Amazing Grace and “Going Home” on the bagpipes.
The Prairie High School ROTC presented and retired the colors.
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