The New Castle-Henry County Public Library, as part of the Commemorative Partner program, co-partnered an event Saturday with the New Castle VFW Post# 1282 and members of the public from New Castle and the surrounding counties. This event was to thank and honor veterans of the Vietnam War, including personnel who were held as POW or listed as MIA, for their service and sacrifice on behalf of the United States.
The event started with refreshments and socialization for the veterans and their family members. Asked to speak was Col. Robert Burke, who is commander of the 76th IBC. Burke reminded those present why the Vietnam War was important. He said that two-thirds of the men who served in Vietnam were volunteers. Approximately 70 percent of the 58,148 soldiers killed were volunteers and that approximately 12,000 helicopters saw action in Vietnam. According to Burke, there were 9,087,000 military personnel who served on active duty during the Vietnam era.
Approximately 8,744,000 personnel were on active duty during the war and 3,403,100 (including 514,300 offshore) personnel, served in the SE Asia Theater (Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, flight crews based in Thailand and sailors in adjacent South China Sea waters).
Burke’s father was a Vietnam veteran and a recipient of the Purple Heart.
After Burke finished speaking, New Castle Mayor Greg York talked of brave men and women, who no matter what the job was, were heroes in his eyes.
York reminded those present of what a great country the United States is and how it takes brave men and women to keep it strong and free.
After his speech, York and Pam Adkins, NCHC Public Library outreach program coordinator, revealed the 50th anniversary commemorative flag and Adkins presented it to the VFW from the NCHCPL.
Everyone was asked outside to honor those that did not return. The honor guards on hand were Kenny Cooper, holding the American Flag and Bob Burton, holding the POW Flag. The four with rifles were Kenny Edwards, Bill Sorrell, Ronnie Padgett, and Bill Colvin.After the firing of the rifles, Colvin played taps. Afterward, all were invited back into the VFW Hall to have a piece of the “Welcome Home” cake. The oldest Vietnam veteran present, Ronnie Padgett, was asked to cut the first piece. Don Akers, the youngest Vietnam vet present, was asked to cut the second piece.
The Commemorative Partner program is designed for federal, state and local communities, veterans’ organizations and other non-governmental organizations to assist in thanking and honoring our Vietnam veterans and their families for their service, valor and sacrifice.
– Information providedby Denise Akers,New Castle-Henry County Public Library
