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VFW Holds Third Annual Welcome Home Event for Vietnam Veterans

Johnstonville School student Hannah Danes sings a stunning rendition of the National Anthem during the VFW’s Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans event

Susanville’s Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2381 held its third annual Welcome Home event for Vietnam veterans on Saturday March 31st in the Veterans Memorial Hall on Main Street, marking 45 years since the last combat troops were withdrawn from Vietnam and the last prisoners of war held in North Vietnam arrived on American soil.

MSgt. Larry Rogers acted as Master of Ceremonies for the gathering which included the singing of the National Anthem by Johnstonville School student Hannah Danes and proclamations by Lassen County Supervisor Chris Gallagher and Susanville City Mayor Pro Tem Joe Franco.

VFW Post Chaplain Anthony Lares gave the Invocation and Benediction.

According to a proclamation given by California Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr., “nearly three and a half million Americans served in the United States military during the Vietnam War and related conflicts in Southeast Asia between 1959 and 1975.”

“More than 58,000 U.S. service members died during the Vietnam War, including 5,656 Californians. Many suffered physical injuries. Others suffered invisible wounds of war, including post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health conditions. Decades later, Vietnam veterans are being diagnosed with diseases and disorders associated with their exposure to Agent Orange and other toxic herbicides.

“Unfortunately, too many of our veterans have not received the help and care they need to live healthy and productive lives in peacetime. In addition to those with medical conditions that are direct results of their service, many experience unemployment, poverty, homelessness and substance abuse.

“Treatment of our veterans reflects profoundly on our character as a state and a nation. The state is committed to improving current services and implementing new programs for those who served and their families.

“Our Vietnam War veterans earned our everlasting gratitude. I urge all Californians to join us in honoring our veterans and assisting them in every way possible.”

Jeremy Couso
Jeremy Couso
SusanvilleStuff.com Publisher/Editor
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