Community honors Vietnam Veterans with commemorative ceremony
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- The community came together here today to commemorate and honor the veterans who have fought in one of the most crucial conflicts in the history of the United States.
Veterans who served between Nov. 1, 1955, and May 15, 1975, are celebrated and remembered for their sacrifices to the country.
The members who were part of the celebration were presented with a commemorative pin and certificate as a way of displaying their appreciation for everything they had done.
Monday marked the first time the event has happened in St Joseph after years of celebrating this event in other locations across the state of Missouri.
The program was signed in late 2020 to be a commemorative partner since it was a national program, and they were responsible for hosting events across Mid-Missouri.
“My father went to Vietnam three times, so you know, being born in 1962, the first 10 or 11 years of my life were just watching the war on TV and he wouldn’t talk about it until I was deployed to Afghanistan.” Freddie Brock, President of the organization, said.
The first-ever commemorative presentation was held in Missouri in September of 2021, where community members and organizers honored veterans.
“The program is completing its 13-year run of the celebration in November, and I don’t want people to forget that we still have Veterans who have not been thanked," Brock said.
Members from both the St. Joseph Police Department and St. Joseph Fire Department were in attendance to ensure the ceremony ran smoothly.
The purpose of having the commemoration is not only to showcase the community's gratitude to retired veterans but also to appreciate the veterans who are currently serving.
“As far as myself, I just did my job through the military, and I had 25 years, which I think was really important, and there are other military people who probably feel the same way.” Truman Hardy, a Veteran, said.
Brock hopes to strengthen the community bonds by hosting more events and ceremonies aimed at celebrating and recognizing veteran contributions to the community.
