Major General Bill Raines, U. S. Army, Retired and LTC Ray Adkins, U. S. Army, Retired
Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke, with the support of the Chattanooga City Council, has declared March 26-April 1, as ‘Vietnam Veterans Appreciation Week’. While Wednesday, March 29, has been declared by the U. S. Congress as Vietnam Veterans Appreciation Day, local government felt that more than one day should be designated to offer a ‘Thank You’ to the thousands of area veterans who served in the Republic of South Vietnam or in support of the Vietnam War.
In a special presentation to the City Council, the Council members and general public were invited to a series of events planned for next week:
5:00 pm, Monday, March 27, FIRST TENNESSEE PAVILION: Join TN VA Commissioner Many Bears Grinder, Representatives from the U. S. Department of Defense, elected and volunteer community leaders and veterans from across the Southeast Tennessee, Northwest Georgia and Northeast Alabama regions as we honor our Vietnam veterans with fellowship, a community picnic and special tributes. Free event to welcome home and say thank you to our Vietnam Veterans. The public is encouraged to attend.
10:30 am, 1:30 pm and 4:30 pm, Tuesday, March 28, TIVOLI THEATER: Three FREE showings of We Were Soldiers, the movie based on the writings of Joe Galloway regarding the November 14, 1965 Battle of Il Drang in the Republic of South Vietnam. Following each viewing, a panel of survivors of the battle, including Medal of Honor recipient Joe Marm and journalist Joe Galloway, will share memories and answer questions.
6:00 pm, Wednesday, March 29, CHATTANOOGA NATIONAL CEMETERY: Commemorate Vietnam Veterans Appreciation Day by joining Chattanooga citizens as the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War Committee and the Vietnam Veterans of America chapters recognize the fallen with a candlelight ceremony. Help us honor the service of these men and the sacrifices made by their families. This is a free event featuring an individual roll call of the fallen.
Special events have been planned by the Chattanooga-Hamilton County 50th Anniversary of Vietnam War Commemoration Committee with assistance provided by Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter # 203, the Cherokee District, Tennessee Society Daughters of the American Revolution and the Chattanooga National Cemetery. Local businesses and citizens have been instrumental in funding support, including the platinum level sponsorship of Erlanger Medical Center.