The City of Carmel, in conjunction with the nationwide effort to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, will join with VFW Post 10003 and American Legion Post 155 to honor local veterans with a special program. The “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans” ceremony will take place on March 27 at Legion Post 155, 852 W. Main St., Carmel. The event will include 5:30 p.m. cocktails and a 6 p.m. dinner, with the program beginning at 6:30 p.m.
“We must never forget the grit and determination of our brave men and women nor should we ever stop paying respect to those who fought with honor and distinction in the name of freedom and democracy,” said Mayor Jim Brainard. “Carmel takes great pride in honoring our military veterans. Events like this remind us to say thank you to these good and faithful servants and their families.”
Richard Leirer, U.S. Army (Retired) and VFW Indiana District 6 Commander, will lead the program designed to recognize, thank and honor all U.S. military veterans who served during the Vietnam War. The program will include special guest speaker Jerry Blake, U.S. Army (Retired) and Former VFW State Commander, as well as City of Carmel Director of Administration, James Crider, U.S. Army (Retired).
Each Vietnam Veteran in attendance will be presented with a special Vietnam Veteran lapel pin as well as a 50th commemorative Challenge Coin. The event will also include The Mobile Vet Center, a mobile vehicle that provides confidential counseling space for veterans, service members and their families in need of services.
As United States Vietnam War Commemorative Partners, this is the fifth commemoration event held over the past three years as Carmel and the nation celebrates this milestone 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. For more details on the evening, please contact VFW District 6 Commander Richard Leirer at RWLeirer@yahoo.com.