VFW honors local Vietnam veterans on National Vietnam War Veterans Day
CULLMAN, Ala. – On March 29 each year, members of Cullman Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2214, along with their families and friends, gather at Cullman Veterans Memorial Park to pay tribute to those who served during the Vietnam War. This annual observance is rooted in the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017, signed into law by former President Donald Trump, designating March 29 as National Vietnam War Veterans Day.
“We will honor all those who answered our Nation’s call of duty. We vow to never again confuse personal disapproval of war with prejudice against those who honorably wear the uniform of our Armed Forces. With conviction, our Nation pledges our enduring respect, our continuing care, and our everlasting commitment to all Vietnam veterans,” states the proclamation about the Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War.
This year, the ceremony provided a special opportunity for local Vietnam veterans to receive the Vietnam veteran lapel pin, a recognition initiated by Congress and introduced by former President Barack Obama in 2012. This pin honors any living veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces during the Vietnam War era, from Nov. 1, 1955, to May 15, 1975, regardless of their location.
This Vietnam veteran lapel pin is given to recognize, thank and honor United States military veterans who served during the Vietnam War.
The symbolism of the pin is significant. The eagle represents courage, honor and dedicated service to the nation. The blue circle signifies vigilance, perseverance and justice as well as matching the official seal of the commemoration. A laurel wreath encircles the pin representing victory, integrity and strength while the stripes behind the eagle represent the American flag.
Each star represents one of the six allies who served and sacrificed alongside each other; Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea, Thailand and the United States.
Engraved on the back of the pin is the message “A Grateful Nation Thanks and Honors You,” intentionally placed closest to the heart of the wearer.
The ceremony, held against the emotional backdrop of the Alabama Veterans Memorial Wall, which bears the names of 1,209 Alabama service members who fell in Vietnam, began with a moving invocation by local veteran and VFW chaplain, Clarence Benefield. Van Hutchins Jr., another local veteran and VFW member, presided over the calling of names and the pinning of veterans who had not yet received their pins.
On March 29, 11 men were called to step forward and be recognized. Those who were called to be pinned are named below:
- Hollis W. Baggett
- Rick Leigeber
- Thomas Perdue
- Larry Lee
- James Arnold
- David Petrep
- Robert R. Turner
- David Betts
- Ron Morrow
- Steve Cawfield
- Kenneth Kreps
Each pinning culminated with a salute among brothers and concluded with Hutchins’ heartfelt “welcome home, brother,” to each veteran honored that day.
As the ceremony drew to a close with Hutchins’ reading of Patrick Camunes’ powerful poem “From the Other Side,” those in attendance were reminded of the incredible sacrifices made by those who served in the Vietnam War. This annual event, more than just a moment of recognition and respect, ensures that the bravery, service and sacrifice of Vietnam veterans are never forgotten.
March 29, National Vietnam War Veterans Day, stands as a testament to the importance of remembering and honoring those who have served. In commemorating this day, the Cullman community, alongside the nation, acknowledges the profound contributions of Vietnam veterans, committing to an everlasting respect and gratitude for their service. This commitment resonates with the sentiment of every pin awarded and every “welcome home, brother” spoken, bridging older generations to the newer ones, with a shared appreciation for the freedoms preserved through their sacrifices.
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