A few weeks ago the Emery County Progress was kind enough to publish a letter to the editor from me entitled “An open letter to the governor” concerning The Utah Vietnam Veterans Recognition Events being held on the Wasatch Front and in Southern Utah but ignoring the Vietnam vets here in Central Utah. On May 10th I received a call from the Governor’s Office in reply to that open letter asking if Jo and I would assist in setting up an event to honor Vietnam Era veterans and their spouses in our area and in conjunction with Ferron’s Field of Flags during Peach Days. We are currently working with the city and the county to make this happen.
Vietnam Veterans Recognition Events are organized to honor Vietnam Era Veterans (all veterans that served on active duty during the Vietnam War not just those whose “boots were on the ground” in country in Vietnam) and their spouses. During the events veterans and their spouses are recognized for the sacrifices and values of all those who served during the Vietnam War time period. The veterans will receive the documentary video “Long Journey Home” and the Utah 50th Anniversary Commemoration Book. Additionally veterans will receive a 50th anniversary medallion and special Vietnam Veteran lapel pin which their spouses are invited to pin on their veterans during the ceremony.
At this point in time there is still a lot of planning to do to get this program together but I’d like to give a “heads up” to all Vietnam Era Veterans and their spouses. As a Vietnam veteran myself I know the pain and sadness that filled the hearts of my brothers and sisters because their nation turned their collective backs on us when we returned home; there were no parades for us and no recognition of our sacrifices, this is an attempt by our state leaders to make up for the past and to say to us “Welcome home warriors we appreciate your sacrifices!”.
We will keep reporting our progress as our planning goes forward. Let’s all come together and make this happen, you earned this and you deserve this, set it in your minds that you will be there to accept this long over-due honor!
I’d like to thank the Governor for being the leader I know he is for his reaching out to the Vietnam Veterans of rural central Utah, to Mike Mower for his help in getting this event scheduled for our area and the Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs for their support.
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