Veterans Honored on Vietnam Veteran's Day in Groesbeck

On Friday, March 29, the Veteran Partners of Texas and American Legion Post 288 joined forces to honor local Vietnam veterans on Vietnam Veteran's Day. This day, initially declared a holiday in 1974 by President Richard Nixon, gained national recognition as an official holiday only after The Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act was signed by President Donald Trump in 2017.
Master of Ceremonies Joseph Robert warmly welcomed everyone and initiated the proceedings with the flag introduction by the Sergeant at Arms. Vickie Slaughter then delivered the invocation, followed by Mary Walker leading the pledge of allegiance and the playing and singing of the National Anthem. The Sergeant at Arms presented the POW/MIA flag, after which Peggy Grove shared insights into the National League of Families and the POW/MIA flag's origin and design, originally created by Newt Heisley.
MC Robert proceeded with the recognition of American Legion Post 288 for their steadfast dedication to honoring Vietnam veterans since the holiday's official inception. Commander Russ Foster was honored with a certificate, acknowledging the legion post's efforts in recreating the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in DC on their walls, an initiative supported by Damian Miklojachak and his family.
Mary Walker returned to the podium to emphasize the importance of honoring Vietnam veterans. "Many of these veterans came home to realize that war is hell, but home can be hell too," Walker remarked. She highlighted the challenges faced by Vietnam veterans upon their return, including abuse from the public and media, and neglect by the Veterans Administration. Walker also discussed the Commemorative Partner Program, which aims to thank and honor Vietnam veterans and their families, with over 2 million veterans and their families being honored in more than 11,000 ceremonies.
The ceremony also included the recognition of local Vietnam veterans and their families, including David Duncan, Brenda Hamilton, the spouse of Wallace Hamilton (accepted by Tammy Clark), Gloria Larpenter, the spouse of Carl Larpenter (accepted by Tammy Clark), and Franklin Rice, who received a 50th-anniversary commemorative pin.
The event concluded with the group singing "I'm Proud to be an American," led by Walker, and a benediction led by Slaughter. The flags were retired, and the ceremony ended with a shrimp boil.