(6/2018) Finally a Tribute to our Vietnam War Era Veterans
As a nation we owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to the men and women who served in uniform during the Vietnam War Era. This era has been designated for those who served from November 1, 1955 through May 15, 1975.
The 2008 National Defense Authorization Act formally approved the Secretary of Defense to conduct a program to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. Since then, the Department of Defense started partnering with other programs within the federal government, state and local governments, veteran service organizations, and other
non-governmental organizations to honor as many Vietnam Veterans as possible and welcome them home as so many of them experienced no welcome at all, or vilification for their call to duty.
It was shameful of our country to treat them in such a horrible manner. This effort across the nation is to, in a tiny way, say we are sorry and then express our deep appreciation for their tremendous sacrifices. This applies to all those who wore the uniform, enlisted or drafted, served in country or at home - ALL our Vietnam Veterans,
including the families, the Gold Star families and the spouses of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
By presidential proclamation on May 25, 2012, the special Commemoration extends from Memorial Day 2012 through Veterans Day 2025.
My office registered and became a partner in order to be authorized to bestow the pin upon our beloved Vietnam Veterans. It is with tremendous humility and pride that we recently held a Joint Pinning Ceremony on April 26th at the American Legion FSK Post 11 in Frederick.
We first asked the Post Commander, Wayne Kaikko, if they would like us to work together and host a Pinning Ceremony after their already scheduled Vietnam Veterans Dinner. Both the Commander and I felt this would be the best timing for our Veterans as they would already be gathered for the Post’s third annual dinner honoring them. As this
was all about the Veterans, what better time and location!
Next we worked on partnering with Congressman Jamie Raskin, who has previously conducted Vietnam Veteran Pinning ceremonies in his district. Congressman Raskin was delighted to co-sponsor the event.
Major General James T. Jackson, U.S. Army (Retired) is Director of The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration. General Jackson came early that day to help us set up the area, and make sure all the pins, presidential proclamations, buttons and materials were in place and ready to go.
The event kicked off by standing and facing the American flag for the Pledge of Allegiance led by Commander Kaikko followed by a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem by Jazlyn Sligh, a student at Gov. Thomas Johnson High School. The MIA/POW table was front and center to reflect and honor the memory of those brave souls whose service
came with extraordinary sacrifice.
Such an honor. One hundred nine Veterans were pinned by Congressman Raskin, County Executive Jan Gardner and myself. General Jackson gave them the presidential proclamation, and the names of the Veterans were alternately called by Post Commander Kaikko and James P. Marchinke, Department of Maryland American Legion Commander. Five Veterans
at a time were called by their name, branch of service and rank to please come up to the front to be congratulated for their service, welcomed home and then pinned.
It was a wonderful experience and it seemed like everyone enjoyed this special tribute to honor our heroes.
It would be remiss on my part if I didn’t thank those who worked behind the scenes to actually make this event happen. My personal thanks goes out to these special caring individuals: Christa Burton and Kathleen Connor both from Congressman Jamie Raskin’s office; Diana Modelski from my office; Dan Campbell, Doug Silvern and Keith Midberry
from the Frederick County Community Veterans Engagement Board; Keith Clevenger – American Legion FSK Post 11’s First Vice Commander, along with Tricia and Ruthie also from Post 11.
To learn more about the Commemoration program, please visit: www.vietnamwar50th.com
Please contact my office if you are a Vietnam Veteran and would like to know when the next Pinning Ceremony will be held, or would like to receive the special pin and presidential proclamation. My executive assistant is honored to assist: DModelski@frederickcountymd.gov or 301-600-1101.
Thank you to all our Veterans and their families. Our nation is safe because of your personal commitments to service.
