Vietnam-era veterans to be honored during campus event

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Vietnam-era veterans will be honored during back-to-back wreath-laying ceremonies Wednesday, March 29, on the Western Michigan University campus and in downtown Kalamazoo.

All veterans of the Vietnam-era—Nov. 1, 1955, to May 15, 1975—are invited to attend these public events. They will be individually recognized and presented with the commemorative lapel pin issued by the U.S. Department of Defense.

The first ceremony will be held at 5 p.m. at the Vietnam Memorial outside of WMU's Kanley Chapel. Free parking will be available in Lot 41 behind Sangren Hall. The second ceremony is set for 6 p.m. at the Bronson Park Vietnam Monument in downtown Kalamazoo. Free on-street parking will be available.

State Sen. Margaret O'Brien, R-Portage, and Natalia Johnston, president-elect of the Michigan Society Children of the American Revolution, will be laying a wreath at both sites. O'Brien intends to bring a resolution before the state Senate soon to make Michigan the 43rd state to recognize March 29 as Vietnam Veterans' Day.

So far, Puerto Rico and 42 states have officially recognized the date as Vietnam Veterans' Day. On that day of that month in 1973, the last combat troops were withdrawn from Vietnam and the last prisoners of war held in North Vietnam arrived on American soil.

For more event information, visit Facebook.com/KzooTribute.

For more WMU news, arts and events, visit wmich.edu/news.