VIETNAM WAR 50TH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATION AT CAPE CANAVERAL NATIONAL CEMETERY

“Grateful Nation: from Sea to Shining Sea”

Saturday, March 30 | 10 a.m. | Flag Assembly Area

Scottsmoor, FL—The Support Committee at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery and Cape Canaveral National Cemetery (CCNC) co-host the Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemoration to thank and honor veterans of the Vietnam War, including those held prisoners of war, or listed as missing in action, for their service and sacrifice on behalf of the United States and to thank and honor the families of these veterans. “Grateful Nation: from Sea to Shining Sea,” provides all Vietnam veterans, including the less-fortunate veterans, the opportunity to receive their deserved recognition and official Vietnam 50th lapel pin.

The Lapel Pin Symbolism: Eagle – Represents courage, honor, and dedicated service to our nation; Blue Circle – Matches the canton of the American flag and signifies vigilance, perseverance, and justice; Laurel Wreath – Victory, integrity, and strength; Stripes – represents the American flag; Star – the six allies who served, sacrificed, and fought alongside one another: Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea Thailand, and the United States; Message – “a Grateful Nation Thanks and Honors You” is embossed not the back, closest to the heart.

“The Vietnam 50th Anniversary lapel pin, although a small token, yet deep in heart and symbolism, proudly displays to everyone that Vietnam veterans, and their service to our country, are not forgotten. We mean to show are respect in honoring all our veterans and their service, from sea to shining sea. Some may not even know they are eligible for burial in a national cemetery.” Marylou Wade, Event Chair.

Dr. Floyd H (Hal) Kushner, (Vietnam POW, 1967-1973) is Guest Speaker. Hal, a Daytona Beach ophthalmologist, featured  in the PBS documentary “The Vietnam War,” shares his five and a half years of horrid survival as a Vietnam POW. Dennis Vannorsdall, Brevard County Veteran Services Manager will EMCEE to an anticipated crowd of 400. The program includes Reading of Names (Vietnam burials since March 2018), soloist Suzy Cunningham (NASA), Chaplain Craig “Doc” Glynn (Vietnam Green Beret medic), Vietnam Huey helicopter, and WWII C47 flyovers, Police & Fire Pipes & Drums, Terrier Sound, wreath presentations, along with formal military honors by the US Army. A Legacy Project group from California, working with the National Cemetery Administration will be filming the event for viewing on the History Channel.

The Vietnam Unforgettable Memories Foundation, a group of Vietnamese women who escaped the country with the help of our veterans more 40 years ago will be participating this year. They honor and will never forget how our Vietnam veterans saved them. This truly brings home how grateful this diverse nation is to our Vietnam veterans for their service so many years ago.

The program will end with an official Vietnam 50th Anniversary pinning ceremony.

Contact: Marylou Wade, Chair, Vietnam 50th Anniversary Committee 321-223-5231 or email mlcwade@outlook.com.