The Ripley County Veterans Memorial Committee
proudly presents
The Ripley County Vietnam Veterans Tribute
July 18 - July 22, 2012
The Ripley County Veterans Memorial Committee joined by Ripley County's Veterans Service Organizations are pleased to announce an upcoming Vietnam Veterans Tribute, which will honor veterans who served in the military during the Vietnam War. Honorees will include all veterans who lived in Ripley County at that time, as well as veterans who are currently living in Ripley County.
The Vietnam Veterans Tribute consists of two major events. Beginning on July 18th, the American Veterans Traveling Tribute will arrive in Versailles and be ready for viewing the afternoon of Thursday, July 19th through Sunday, July 22nd. The focal point of the American Veterans Traveling Tribute consists of an 80% replica of the Vietnam War Memorial, which includes all names of the Vietnam Veterans that are engraved on the Memorial located in Washington, D.C. In addition to the Vietnam War Memorial replication, the American Traveling Tribute honors all who have contributed to the cost of freedom in the United States with panels which honor those veterans who died since the Vietnam War, in Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. There are also panels which pay tribute to the veterans from World War II and Korea, as well as a 911 panel honoring firefighters and policemen and the War on Terror. The Southeastern Career Center on U.S. 50 in Versailles will be the site of the display.
The second event will be held on Saturday afternoon, July 21st at the South Ripley High School Gymnasium. Sammie Davis, Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient will be the keynote speaker. Ripley County Vietnam Purple Heart and Distinguished Service Medal recipients will be honored. The event will also honor surviving family members of the Vietnam Veterans killed or missing in action in Vietnam. Ripley County Vietnam and Vietnam Era Veterans present will also be recognized. All residents of Ripley County are invited to attend to give a long overdue thank you to a Vietnam vet. A dance with 60's and 70's music will follow at VFW Post 6234 in Milan.
The major part of the funding for this project is due to a grant awarded by the Rising Sun Regional Foundation, Inc. Donors to date also include the John C. Bishop Memorial Fund.
If interested in helping please contact the appropriate person below. Your contribution is greatly appreciated.
If you are, or know a Vietnam Era Veteran who served on Active Duty from Ripley County; presently or previous resident, during the periods of 1960-1975, please contact our Registration Committee Chairman, Jim Taul at skinner7@comcast.net with the names that need to be recognized as a Vietnam Era Veteran. We are also needing the names of Vietnam Veterans who received certain awards for their actions during the Vietnam War. It is our goal to make sure we recognize Vietnam Veterans who have received the Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, Air Force Cross, Silver or Bronze Star Medal, or the Purple Heart Award.