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“We love our nation, our historical past and most of all our veterans. We name them patriots and we love our patriots,” stated Jackie Brown, who spoke for the DAR.
Giving updates have been Brad Boyer of the Nationwide Path Parks and Recreation District, who talked concerning the ongoing work being completed to the Clark County Veterans Memorial Park, and Jim Ryan of Veterans Service Fee, who spoke on companies out there for veterans.
Ark touched on getting back from Vietnam to a typically unfriendly response and the significance of being surrounded by individuals who had comparable experiences. He at all times tries to acknowledge different veterans and at all times appreciates when he’s acknowledged.
Keynote speaker Dr. James Thomas Hardy, chief of workers on the Dayton VA Well being Care, spoke concerning the widespread bonds Vietnam veterans share, mentioning that lots of those that served grew to become Vietnam veterans accidentally, together with himself.
Hardy joined the Military ROTC as a school freshman. What appeared like a good suggestion would land him in Vietnam 4 years later as an adviser to an infantry unit, a prospect he admitted was horrifying for a 23-year-old listening to numerous tales popping out from there.
“In 1962 I had no thought of Vietnam, and 4 years later, all people did,” he stated.
Attendees have been absorbed by Hardy’s story of being stationed at a village for relocated Vietnamese residents and the selections he confronted with Viet Cong being distinguished within the space, and conferring with a sergeant about one of the best plan of action, a person he credit for saving his life and wonders about his destiny to this present day.
Hardy served 18 months in Vietnam and as an Military Ranger, placing in 20 years of service. He attended medical faculty in 1976 and is proud to proceed his work on the Dayton VA and communicate at occasions comparable to this.
“I’ve had two lives as a Vietnam veteran — in fight and now as a doctor,” he stated. “That is one of the best service I’ve ever had, caring for veterans.”
Hardy earned a standing ovation from attendees after thanking his fellow veterans for his or her service.
The ceremony closed with the acknowledgement of every service department, a 21-gun salute and the taking part in of “Faucets.”
Ark stated it meant so much to the attendees to have this occasion once more and doing so in particular person made it much more particular.
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