The Santa Barbara community is invited to attend a National Vietnam War Veterans Day event Saturday, March 29 at the Santa Barbara Veterans Memorial Building, 112 W. Cabrillo Blvd. Doors open at 11 a.m.
The day marks the 52nd anniversary of the day when the last U.S. combat forces left Vietnam. It is meant to be a time to honor all who served during the conflict and to remember the 58,220 American lives lost in the conflict, as well as the 1,200 yet unaccounted for.
The local event is hosted by the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 218 of Santa Barbara, American Legion Post 49 and Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation.
The opening ceremony at noon starts with the singing of the National Anthem, and features a special video “In Memorium” to honor the fallen 99 from Santa Barbara County. The ceremony concludes with the playing of TAPS.
Weather permitting, members of Boy Scout Troop 33 will perform a flag retirement ceremony in the nearby courtyard.
Anyone who may have an old, worn, or tattered U.S. flag is welcome to bring it for inclusion in the ceremony.
Lunch will be served, featuring chili on a spud or hotdogs with all the fixins’ for a suggested donation of $10, along with free water and lemonade.
U.S. flags, special t-shirts and other military memorabilia will be for sale; and there will be an author’s table where books will be available for purchase and signing.
Proceeds from the event will benefit veterans of all eras in our community.
Peter Bie, president of VVA Chapter 218 said the war, which so divided the country, “may seem like such a long time ago, but to this day it remains an open wound for so many, and has left a lasting imprint on our nation that still struggles, some 50 years later, to understand and come to terms with its meaning and its outcome.”
More than 2.5 million Americans served in Vietnam from 1959-1973, but more were also posted to other parts of the world.
“We do not differentiate between someone who was in ‘Nam, in another country, or stationed right here in the states during the war,” Bie said. “All who served deserve to be recognized and greeted with a hearty Welcome Home,” he said.
Other upcoming veterans events include:
• Wednesday, April 30: Guest speaker from Vietnam will talk about “50 Years After The Fall.” Co-hosted by Carpinteria Museum of History.
• Friday, May 16, 7 p.m.: Panel of Vietnam veterans will speak about their own experiences as part of Carpinteria Museum of History’s Talk-Talk Back series.
• Saturday, May 17, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.: Armed Forces Day; in conjunction with Santa Barbara Elks Lodge, American Legion 49 and Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation.
• Monday, May 26, Memorial Day: Ceremonies at local cemeteries – Goleta, 9 a.m.; Carpinteria, 10 a.m.; Santa Barbara Cemetery, 11 a.m.