Vietnam War veterans to be honored
BIRDSBORO » American Legion Auxiliary Post 626 has joined health insurance company Humana to host a Vietnam War Commemoration Ceremony at Daniel Boone Area High School on Saturday, July 7, at 10 a.m.
The ceremony will be held is in conjunction with the Vietnam War Commemoration Initiative, which was established by the U.S. Department of Defense in order to honor the service and sacrifice of Vietnam veterans.
“All who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces during the Vietnam War period — from Nov. 1, 1955 to May 15, 1975, and regardless of duty location — are invited to attend and receive a special lapel pin as a lasting memento of the nation’s gratitude,” Humana spokesperson Alissa Krinsky stated in a press release.
The event will consist of welcoming remarks, a wreath-laying ceremony and distribution of lapel pins. The families of soldiers still missing in action (MIA) will also be recognized.
One of the speakers is Cory Etchberger of Schwenksville, whose father, Hamburg High School graduate and Medal of Honor recipient Richard Etchberger, died in combat in Vietnam.
Other speakers include American Legion Post 626 Commander Bob Mealand, 14th District Commander Denise Harner, and Humana Pennsylvania Sales Director Mike Rae.
Additionally, the event will feature The Wall That Heals, a touring replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial located in Washington, D.C.
The Wall honors 3 million Americans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces during the Vietnam War, including the 58,000 men and women who lost their lives in the conflict.
In addition to being present at the pinning event, the Wall will be open 24-hours-a-day from July 5 at 7 p.m. to July 8 at 4 p.m. at Daniel Boone High School, 501 Chestnut St. (Route 345) along the border between Birdsboro and Union Township.
There is no charge to visit the Wall.
Humana’s commitment to serving the United States military is extensive, as it provides health care to 6 million U.S. servicemen, servicewomen and dependents, according to a company press release. Human has also hired over 4,000 veterans and military spouses since 2011, the release states.
Humana will be holding additional pinning ceremonies across Pennsylvania throughout this year.
Local Vietnam veterans who would like to participate in the pinning event must RSVP to Humana’s Susan Shern at 717-7915104.