San Diego Union-Tribune (Sunday)
BONITA MUSEUM PREPARING FOR NEW EXHIBITION ON VIETNAM WAR
Center is in search of memorabilia from South County veterans
The Bonita Museum and Cultural Center is collecting memorabilia and stories from South County veterans of the Vietnam War in preparation for a new exhibition.
“Vietnam Veterans, We Thank You” pays homage to local veterans who served and honors the fallen.
Curator and Marine Corps veteran Heather Gallana said the exhibit will focus largely on veterans and less on the historical events of the war.
“Everyone knows about the war, so I feel it’s most important to highlight Vietnam Veterans themselves,” she said in a statement. “It is important to acknowledge that these veterans are not just another uniform, but a neighbor. Vietnam Veterans need to know that they are important and that we value their service.”
Gallana is looking for stories, photographs and other memorabilia from veterans’ experiences in Vietnam.
The exhibit is scheduled to open March 9, ahead of Vietnam Veterans Day, which is commemorated by many on March 29. In 2017, the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act was signed into law designating the day. California enacted legislation in 2010 that designates March 30 of each year as Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day.
On that day in 1973, the last combat troops were withdrawn from Vietnam and prisoners of war returned to the U.S. A year later, President Richard Nixon recognized that day as the first Vietnam Veterans Day.
The museum has also scheduled a ceremony for veterans on March 25 at 11 a.m. at the Bonita Veterans Memorial, located next to the museum.
During the ceremony, members of the Daughters of the American Revolution are set to present commemorative pins to Vietnam veterans. A reception and community resources for veterans will also be available.
The exhibit will run through April 29.
Those interested in collaborating with the curator for the exhibit can contact the museum at 619-267-5141 or via an online form at bonitahistoricalsociety.org/contact-us. The Bonita Museum is located at 4355 Bonita Road.