DAR chapters honor the service of local Vietnam Veterans 

PERRY — On Wednesday, Dec. 3, chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution honored local Vietnam Veterans at their quarterly meeting. 

“I want to thank all of you for joining us in thanking and honoring our Vietnam War Veterans and their families,” Sukey Hart Chapter Regent Cynthia Davis said. “This commemoration is focused on specifically thanking our Vietnam veterans and the nine million families of those who served during the Vietnam period.”

Davis added that over 44 million American men and women have sacrificed and served in their time of war. 

“Your collective service and individual sacrifices have safeguarded the cherished concepts in our Constitution,” she said. “Whether deployed in harm’s way all while watching over your buddies as they watched over you or training and serving in home stations, you sacrificed. Our country, community, families and children owe you a tremendous debt of gratitude.” 

The chapters recognized a few living members who served such as William Larry Mitchell—Air Force, Master Sergeant E-7, James Winbon Golden–Army, E-5 Sergeant, Edward Blount—Marine Corps, Corporal E-4 and Harley A. Crosby—Army, First Class E-7. 

“It is really an honor that the [DAR] took the time to put something on like this, and were very appreciative,” Mitchell said. “Vietnam Veterans are very under-appreciated, so it’s always an honor when they are recognized,” Blount said. “I think it’s an honor of what these ladies do all over the United States, and I think it’s very important to keep the history going,” Golden said.  

Each veteran was given a Certificate of Honor and a special bronze lapel pen. Davis described the meaning of the lapel. 

“The eagle’s head represents courage, honor and service, the six stars represent the allies who served and sacrificed together, the stripes and blue color represents our nation’s flag and the nation’s thanks is embossed on the back,” she said. “We do thank you for your service and sacrifices you and your family have made for all of us.” 

The chapters also recognized a few deceased Vietnam Veterans including Louis John Calleo—Navy, Chief Petty Officer, Michael A. Washko, Jr. — Air Force, Master Sergeant, Elbert Ray Franklin—Army, Private First Class, and Gregory Troy Young—Marine Corps, rank not known. 

Their widows accepted the tokens of appreciation on their behalf. 

“We can never be thankful enough for what they did for us. If it wasn’t for them, we would just be a different country,” Davis said. “Because of them, it’s a reason we have our freedom, our future and America.”