Southern Sentinel
Honoring Sacrifice: Vietnam War Veterans Program pays tribute to local heroes
By HUNTER GIVENS Southern Sentinel
ASHLAND - Despite inclement weather moving the event from Ashland Town Park to the nearby Ashland Church of Christ, organizers of the Vietnam War Veterans Program were still able to put on a program on Saturday afternoon, March 29, that paid tribute and honored those who served in the conflict.
The Vietnam War Veterans Day has its own history as a day of commemoration, taking place officially on March 29 every year. This is in relation to the date of March 29, 1973, when Military Assistance Command Vietnam was deactivated. President Richard Nixon chose March 29 for the first Vietnam War Veterans Day in 1974, and President Barack Obama proclaimed March 29, 2012 as Vietnam Veterans Day, with the proclamation calling “upon all Americans to observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities to commemorate the 50-year anniversary of the Vietnam War.” President Donald Trump signed the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017, recognizing March 29 as National Vietnam War Veterans Day.
Bro. Donald Roberson welcomed everyone to the event before Emma Bennett performed the Star Spangled Banner. A roll call of Benton and Tippah County veterans who served, with special consideration for those who were killed in action, was named. While this event took place in Benton County, veterans from both Benton and Tippah County were recognized.
A pair of representatives from elected officials’ offices were guest speakers at the event. Blake Neely, a field representative that covers North Mississippi for U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith, spoke first, thanking those in attendance and apologizing on behalf of Senator Hyde-Smith, who was unable to attend due to a prior engagement. Neely noted several of Hyde-Smith’s legislative accomplishments that related to veterans, including the passing of bills related to retirement pay and disability for medically retired veterans, Gold Star Families Remembrance Week, the Dustoff Crews of the Vietnam War Congressional Gold Medal Act, and more.
Darren Herring, a representative from U.S. Representative Trent Kelly’s office, spoke at the event as well. Herring noted Rep. Kelly’s military history, which included serving in the Mississippi National Guard for 39 years, while stressing the importance of both days like today that honor the sacrifices of veterans, as well as the importance of continuing to support veterans after they come home.
Event organizers wished to thank several groups and individuals that made the event possible, including the Bond Memorial Library, the Town of Ashland, Benton County, American Legion Post 81, VFW Walnut Post 6696, MidSouth Productions, Ashland Church of Christ, and more.
Any donations to the Benton County Vietnam War Veterans Day Fund may be sent to the Benton County Library System, P.O. Box 308, Ashland, MS.