Roanoke, VA – In commemoration of the Vietnam War 50th Anniversary, Municipal Wreath-Laying Ceremonies will be held at noon on March 29. The date for this ceremony was chosen in respect of March 29, 1973, when the last combat troops withdrew from Vietnam. Top officials from each locality will participate and the event will include an honor guard, the singing of the national anthem, the reading of a proclamation honoring Vietnam Veterans Day, presentation of Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pins, and the laying of a wreath to honor Vietnam-era Veterans.
Locations for events are as follows:
- City of Roanoke: Lee Plaza
- City of Salem: Salem Red Sox Veterans Memorial
- Roanoke County and Town of Vinton: "High Ground" Vinton-Roanoke County Veterans Monument, on the grounds of the Vinton War Memorial
In 2015, representatives from the Cities of Roanoke and Salem, Roanoke County, Town of Vinton, and the Association of the United States Army (Stonewall Jackson Chapter) formed a committee to plan events to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. The committee has been tasked with holding at least two events a year from 2015 through 2017.
For 2017, events will include the Municipal Wreath-Laying Ceremonies; a Massed High School Band Concert with Maestro David Stewart Wiley at Salem Civic Center on Nov. 5; and a social event, “Saluting Those Who Served,” on Nov. 17 to honor Vietnam Veterans, their families, and partners who have supported the 50th Anniversary commemorative events.
Events hosted in 2015 included the inaugural public viewing of Vietnam Combat Art from the U.S. Army Center of Military History at Hollins University’s Ballator Gallery, and the display of “The Wall That Heals – The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall” at the Salem Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
In 2016, the committee hosted a special night for Vietnam Veterans’ recognition at a Red Sox baseball game at Salem Red Sox Stadium, marched in the Roanoke Veterans Day Parade, and supported an exhibit of the Vietnam Combat Art at the Vinton War Memorial.
For more information, please contact Wendi Schultz at Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism, 540-777-6326, or email [email protected] with questions.
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