Thurs. March 25 – National Medal of Honor Day. Central Florida is home to several recipients and/or their families. The medal is awarded to those who have distinguished themselves "conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity” above and beyond the call of duty, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs official site. 

 

Vietnam Veterans Day Recognition's

There has been a change made to inclusive dates of the Vietnam War service era. It is now military service between November 1, 1955 and May 1, 1975. 

These are some of the ceremonies to recognize and honor those service personnel. 

CDC and COVID-19 recommendations are to be observed at all times.

 

Friday, March 26

·        Vietnam era veterans are invited to attend the drive-thru recognition ceremony at the Lake Baldwin VA Medical Center on Friday, March 26 from 1 pm to 3 pm. This event thanks and honors all U.S. Armed forces Vietnam Era personnel with active-duty service the above dates, regardless of location. Those persons are eligible to receive the Vietnam Veterans 50th Commemoration Pin. VITAS® Healthcare and local, state, and national dignitaries will be presenting. Lake Baldwin VA Medical Center of the Orlando VA Healthcare System, 5201 Raymond Street, Orlando, 32803. (My thoughts for this drive-thru: Why not have banners, flags and placards of Thanks and Support nearby!?!)

 

Saturday March 27

·        Honoring of Vietnam Veterans with a ceremony taking place at the Holly Hill DAV/Veterans Museum and Education Center Saturday, March 27th 12noon – 2pm honoring ALL Vietnam and "Vietnam Era" Veterans.  605 8th Street, Holly Hill, 32117. Every Vietnam Veteran will receive a Vietnam Veteran medallion, free food and a tour of the Veterans Museum. For more info email ormondstrong@gmail.com

 

Monday March 29

·        ‘Welcome Home Ceremony for Vietnam Veterans’ at 11am, Veteran’s Memorial Center Museum, 400 S. Sykes Creek Parkway, Merritt Island, 32952 Includes Missing Man Table Ceremony. Info: Donn Weaver at VMC 321-453-1776

 

·        Ceremony starting at 12Noon will be held to honor Vietnam War Veterans Day. It will be held at VFW Post 3282 at 5810 S. Williamson Blvd. Port Orange. There will be a guest speaker and Lunch will be served at 12:45PM. Please wear military attire.

 

·        American Legion POST 183 Vietnam Commemorative Pinning Ceremony at 6pm at the Post, 2706 Wells Ave, Fern Park, FL 32730

 

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

 

Florida Vietnam and All Veterans Annual Reunion April 15 – 18 (AS OF 4 PM 03/21/21 THE REUNION IS STILL A GO!) It will be at Wickham Park, 2500 Parkway Dr., Melbourne. 

The Florida Veterans Reunion (33^rd year) is one of the largest and longest running veterans reunions in the country. This family friendly event is FREE and with FREE parking. Usually has MANY vendors, live music, static displays, food, and military organizations for information.  All veterans young and old are welcome as well as the general public. Check online for the schedule of events at floridaveteransreunion.com 

Vietnam Traveling Wall will be escorted to the park on April 11th and will be on display until the end of the event. It will leave Eastern Florida State College on Clearlake Rd in Cocoa at 10 am sharp on Sunday April 11^th. Please be advised that 4 Wheel vehicles will now be allowed in the escort but please note the speed will only be 20 MPH and if you allow a large gap you will be told to pull over out of the escort.