12:00 AM - 12:00 AM
On Friday, April 12, 2024, at 5:00 pm, the Spirit of ’76 Chapter NSDAR honored 13 Vietnam War Veterans who are friends and relatives of the members of the Spirit of ’76 Chapter NSDAR. The ceremony opened with the Presentation of Colors by the Jesuit High School Color Guard. Soloist, Frank Maselli sang the National Anthem. Each Vietnam Veteran received a Vietnam War Veteran Lapel Pin, a Presidential Proclamation, and a Vietnam Certificate from the Spirit of ’76 Regent, Lee Pitre Lynch. As each veteran was honored, Trudy Oswald, Spirit of ’76 First Vice Regent, read his biography. Surviving spouses attending the ceremony received their veteran’s Vietnam War Veteran Lapel Pin, Presidential Proclamation, and Vietnam Certificate. In addition, one veteran is now in hospice care. For this veteran, we recorded his biography and sent it to him by text so that he could hear it. All the Veterans received a warm “Welcome Home” and were offered the humble thanks of a grateful Nation. The ceremony closed with the Retiring of Colors. This poignant, moving ceremony ended with the recessional song, God Bless America.
“The American flag does not fly because of the wind.
The American flag flies from the last breath of each military member who has died protecting it.”
By Vietnam War Veteran Honoree Donald John Short