Commissioner Many-Bears Grinder
DAR members register and pin VIetnam veterans
Major General Bill Raines with Il Drang Veteran Ernie Savage
Veterans, Department of Defense representative and Linda Mines
Vietnam Veterans Picnic line
Vietnam veterans, families and citizens
While the storm clouds threatened overhead, they could not dampen the spirit of the Tennessee Valley Vietnam veterans who gathered at the First Tennessee Pavilion to receive a much-delayed ‘Welcome Home’ and ‘Thank You for Your Service’ from hundreds of area citizens. Amidst the tears and laughter, Vietnam veterans were pinned by members of the Cherokee District Daughters of the American Revolution, posted their individual combat locations on a large map of the Republic of South Vietnam, enjoyed a picnic dinner with family and friends and paused for a quiet moment at the Tennessee Vietnam Veterans Wall provided by VVA Chapter # 203.
Tennessee Commissioner of Veteran Services Many-Bears Grinder, a veteran of Afghanistan and wife of a Vietnam veterans, brought a message of healing to the veterans. She recalled the turmoil within the nation when they returned from service and reminded them that their service to their nation was valued and appreciated. Joe Galloway, author of We Were Soldiers Once – and Young and the only news correspondent to be decorated for gallantry, shared the meaning behind the Vietnam Commemorative Pin. Commemorative Committee Co-Chair Major General Bill Raines, U. S. Army, Retired, also a Vietnam veteran, spoke movingly about the fifty years that had lapsed between service and recognition and the importance of community recognition. County Historian and Co-Chair Linda Moss Mines recognized the veterans and their families who had ‘sacrificed together’ to present the ideals of America: liberty, equality and justice. She also recognized the members of the Commemorative Committee and paid a special tribute to Bud Alley, 2017 Events Coordinator. Music was provided by the Reverend Willie Kitchens and the Praise Choir along with the renowned Jericho Brass. Bill Norton, President of VVA # 203, closed the program as veterans of each branch of service were recognized.
On Wednesday evening at 8 p.m., the 152 men from the Tennessee Valley who died in combat will be recognized with a candlelight memorial service at the Chattanooga National Cemetery. The public is invited to join the memorial service. Parking will be available.