U.S. Army Veteran Gary Barnett talks with Jeremy Oesterling, Indy Honor Flight, and Jim Castor, U.S. Army Veteran, World War II, and other veterans at the recent Veterans Appreciation Breakfast hosted by the Horseshoe Prairie Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. (Photo provided)
The Horseshoe Prairie Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution held a Veterans Appreciation Breakfast as part of the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of deployment of U.S. troops to Vietnam and the 40th anniversary of the final withdrawal of U.S. troops from Vietnam. “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day” recognizes the sacrifices of Vietnam veterans and is part of a national effort to honor the men and women who were denied a proper welcome upon returning home more than 40 years ago.
The United States Congress has designated March 29 of each year to be recognized as National Vietnam War Veterans Day.
The March 24 breakfast was held at the Noblesville Township Community Center. Korean veterans as well as two WWII veterans joined the event. Lively discussions were enjoyed as veterans shared stories of their service. Mayor John Ditslear, a Navy veteran, stopped by to greet and thank his fellow veterans for their service.
Refreshments were served by the Horseshoe Prairie Chapter, music was provided by local musician Bruce McMahon, and a presentation was given by Jeremy Oesterling, with Indy Honor Flight, an organization dedicated to coordinating travel to Washington, D.C. to attend WWII, Korean, and Vietnam memorials. Information about the Indy Honor Flight program can be found at indyhonorflight.org.