American Legion honors area Vietnam veterans
April 12, 2021 11:19 AM
Mary Alford/The News-Enterprise (KY)
Dozens of Vietnam War veterans were “welcomed home” Monday night at a celebration held at American Legion Post 113 in Elizabethtown.
Traditionally structured as a sit-down meal for Vietnam veterans, this year organizers turned it into a drive-thru event, making the necessary modifications because of the pandemic.
While remaining in their vehicles, Vietnam veterans and their family members drove around the post building on Ring Road in designated lanes to receive a medal or commemorative coin and words of gratitude from several volunteers.
“They’re very receptive of what we’re doing for them and I think it sometimes brings emotions back for them and let’s them know America still loves them,” said Brian Knoch, adjutant for the post.
Among the volunteers was a group of local friends – Martha Thomas, Carol Parrett, Janetta Vessels, and Linda Lawson. They donned the colors red, white, and blue, and waved American flags.
Thomas said they wanted to come out to honor the veterans.
“We thought it was a good idea, so here we are,” she said.
Post 113 also partnered with the General George Patton Museum of Leadership in Fort Knox. Personnel with the museum brought military Jeeps to the post’s parking lot and wore military re-enactment uniforms for the occasion. Post 113 also coordinated with local law enforcement and Elizabethtown Fire Department for the event, who had representatives onsite to greet the veterans.
Despite having to change it up this year, Knoch said it still was “a great way to honor (the veterans) and let them know that we don’t forget them even with COVID.”
Within the first 45 minutes of Monday evening’s ceremony, the post had roughly 50 veterans pass through.
The event, though initially scheduled for last week, coincided with National Vietnam War Veterans Day, March 29. On March 28, 2017, former President Donald Trump signed into law the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017, which designated the day reserved to thank and honor all veterans of the Vietnam War.
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