Lansing area veterans attend Vietnam Veterans Recognition event hosted by Daughters of the American Revolution chapter

Hannah Lee Chapter National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), in partnership with the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration, presented a Vietnam Veterans Recognition day Friday, April 1.  The event took place at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Decorah. More than 80 veterans, guests and DAR members attended the recognition event.

The Presentation of the Colors by DAR member Wendy Novak and Eagle Scout Cody Michel, both of Decorah, began the official program. The Pledge of Allegiance and singing of “America” followed with an invocation by DAR member Carol Hasvold of Decorah.  After the Posting of the Colors, a tribute entitled “The Significance of the Missing Man Table” was presented by DAR member Marilyn Holland of Decorah. These activities were followed by a luncheon.

Keynote addresses were given by Bob Watson and Dr. Steven Holland, both of Decorah.  The general theme was “then and now”.  Watson addressed the group briefly with a talk and a slide presentation.  He described the area of Vietnam where he served as a member of the U. S. Marine Corps and recalled various actions and events that took place during his time of service in Vietnam.

The “now” aspect of Vietnam was presented by Luther College Associate Professor of Economics Dr. Steven Holland. “Stability and Change” was the title of his presentation. Holland supplemented his talk with slides depicting Vietnam scenes from a student group trip which he had lead to the country earlier this year. He addressed economic, political and social change issues in the country today. Following his presentation, he open a discussion with those assembled. A number of veterans asked him questions about Vietnam now, others commented on Vietnam memories or spoke of their own journey back to Vietnam in recent years.

Hannah Lee Chapter Vice President Maureen Michel gave a description of the components of the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration Flag which was on display. Chapter Regent Becky McCabe called each veteran forward one by one. She was assisted by members Wendy Novak, Mary Anne Iliff and Maureen Michel, who thanked each veteran for his service and presented each with a Daughters of the American Revolution Certificate in recognition of his valor, service and sacrifice. Each was also pinned with a 50th Anniversary Commemoration lapel pin and received a packet of other memorial items marking the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War.

About 50 veterans were honored in this way. In addition, two special certificates were presented to sisters of Vietnam veterans who had made the ultimate sacrifice. After the certificate presentation, Decorah resident Clare Knutson, an immigrant from Vietnam, gave a “Thank You” to the service men. She expressed her grateful appreciation to them for their sacrifice which gave her the liberty to come to this great country.

Hannah Lee Chapter National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, “Proud partner with the U.S.A. Vietnam War Commemoration,” invites everyone to thank all Vietnam War era veterans and their families and carry through with the Commemoration theme, “Join the nation . . . thank a Vietnam veteran!”

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 to promote patriotism, preserve American history, and support better education for this  nation’s children. Its members are descended from the patriots who won American independence during the Revolutionary War. With more than 180,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters worldwide, DAR is one of the world’s largest and most active service organizations. To learn more about the work of today’s DAR, visit www.DAR.org.