Remembrance honors the legacy of service in Southeast Asia and all those 'still serving'
Hillsborough County, Fla. (March 13, 2024) - Hillsborough County Consumer & Veterans Services, Vietnam Veterans of America/Chapter 787, and the Veterans Council of Hillsborough County invite the community to the annual Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans & War Dogs remembrance event on Thursday, March 28, at 10 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Park and Rear Admiral LeRoy Collins Jr. Veterans Museum, 3602 U.S. Hwy. 301 N., Tampa, FL 33619.
The event precedes National Vietnam War Veterans Day, which marks the final departure of U.S. troops from South Vietnam on March 29, 1973. Annual gatherings serve to recognize the sacrifice of military families and Veterans of the Vietnam era, and to renew camaraderie among attendees.
The theme of this year's Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans & War Dogs event is "Still Serving" and will feature keynote speaker Rolfe Arnhym, a retired U.S. Army officer and successful business leader who served multiple tours in Vietnam.
The event will also include:
Commemorative lapel pinning for all Veterans of the Vietnam War era and their surviving spouses
Salutes to local military heroes and the canines who served in war
Patriotic music, rifle salute, and playing of taps
On-site resources to assist Veterans, including the Agent Orange Registry, caregiving, counseling, suicide prevention, and Veterans benefits
Authentic Southeast Asian cuisine and entertainment
The Vietnam War Memorial at Veterans Memorial Park & Museum features a special war dog memorial and a pair of famous U.S. Army helicopters. The American Bell UH-1 Huey and AH-1 Cobra represent the Vietnam era in one of the region's the most prolific showcases. Park hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Events and parking are free.
For more information, contact Hillsborough County Consumer & Veterans Services at (813) 635-8316.