People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf.. ~George Orwell


Saturday, March 24, 2018

Events to honor Vietnam veterans

New Castle, IN, (March 24, 2018) VRI — American Legion Post 343 is planning a salute to veterans of the Vietnam War era.

The post, located at the corner of North Jefferson and East Falls streets, will hold a program from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 29 to which it is inviting the public, but particularly all those who served their country during the years 1955-75. There is no charge, and a lunch will be served.

Veterans who were deployed to Southeast Asia during that period will be asked to stand to identify themselves, their branch of the military, and when and where they served.


Also Thursday, VFW Post 315 will hold a luncheon from noon to 2 p.m. at its 1820 E. Washington St. facility. All men and women who served in the military at any time are welcome, along with their spouses. Those who were deployed can get their first membership free.

Both programs are planned to coincide with National Vietnam War Veterans Day, which was signed into law last year by President Trump. March 29 was chosen for the day as it is the last day that troops were withdrawn from Vietnam in 1973.

The bi-partisan bill creating the act was sponsored by Pennsylvania Sen. Pat Toomey and Indiana Sen. Joe Donnelly.

The day has been observed informally prior to becoming law, with President Nixon choosing March 29 as the first Vietnam Veterans Day in 1974, and President Obama issuing a proclamation for a Vietnam Veterans Day on March 29, 2012.