At 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 15, the American Legion, along with local and state organizers, hosted a service in honor of Vietnam Veterans at the Kanab Center in coordination with the Balloons and Tunes event. After the opening ceremony, consisting of a prayer, the posting of the colors and the national anthem, veterans were invited to stand and speak, with some presenting poetry or journaled war memories. A representative from the Utah Department of Veteran and Military Affairs stood to share resources and benefits available to Utah’s Veterans.
The event was titled ‘Welcome Home,’ expressing pride in service in contrast to the reception of returning Vietnam Veterans in the days of the war; themes of the presented literature at the event highlighted the returning soldiers’ response to the lack of support and the feelings of resentment directed toward them upon returning home to the U.S.
Following the poetry and journaled memories, Kane County Commissioners Gwen Brown, Patty Kubeja and Celeste Meyeres presented each of the Vietnam veterans present with a commemorative pin and plaque, and invited them to sign a roster that would be added to the national Wreaths Across America roster of veterans.
The event concluded with a prayer, the singing of Butterfield’s Lullaby and an invitation for the assembled veterans, families and community members to stay for refreshments.
Chris Scott, the representative from Utah Veterans and Military Affairs, provided an office contact - 801- 326-2372 - as well as list of other important numbers, such as:
• VA Medical Center 801-582-1565
• VA Benefits Center 800-827-1000
• American Legion 801-326-2380
• Disabled American Veterans 801-326- 2375
