The Southern Ohio Vietnam Veterans Tribute begins today at the Chillicothe VA.
The tribute kicks off at 11:00 a.m. today and runs through this Sunday, September 23rd. It offers a Vietnam Exhibit in the VA Gymnasium and a display of military vehicles and artifacts in the parking lot of VA Stadium.
The tribute also features the Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall.
Known as "The Wall That Heals", the Wall is a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. It will be available to the public 24 hours per day.
A complete schedule for The Southern Ohio Vietnam Veterans Tribute, can be found below.
Daily Displays from September 20 – 23, 2018
"Through the Eyes” Vietnam Exhibit – Gymnasium
Huey, Military Vehicles and artifacts display – Stadium Parking Lot
Rolling Thunder Chapter 5’s Ohio POW-MIA Vietnam Memorial Wall – Recreation Hall (Building 9)
Flags for Forgotten Soldiers display – Building 31
Thursday, September 20
11:00a Event formally opens to the public
12:00p Official Opening Ceremony – VA Memorial Stadium
12:45p Wreath Laying Ceremony
1p – 4p Bagpipes by Dan Kulhanek every half our
4:00p Guitar Tribute by Jim Shannon – VA Memorial Stadium
Friday, September 21
Freedom Flight Exhibition - All Day Exhibit
1:00p POW-MIA Recognition Ceremony – Building 9
Missing Man Ceremony – Rolling Thunder, Ohio Chapter 5
8:00p “In their Honor” Candle-Light Vigil and Moment of Silence – VA Memorial Stadium
Saturday, September 22
9:00am Agent Orange Town Hall Meeting – Building 9
Speakers: Agent Orange Exposure - Sandy Wilson, VVA Director at Large
How to File for Benefits - Rob Wiss, Director, Auglaize County Veterans Service Commission
Troubleshooting VA Disability Appeals Process for Denied Claims - VBA Representative
PTSD, Long-Term Impact and Getting Help - Tom Burke, VVA Regional 5 Director
1:00p Daily Ceremony – VA Memorial Stadium
Keynote Speaker: Cliff Riley, Buckeye State Council President
Guest Speaker: SMSgt Renee L. Frey, Ohio Air National Guard
Gold Star Recognition Speaker: Catherine Beers-Conrad, Gold Star Daughter, USAF Veteran
Gold Star Mother: Velma Hamilton, son SPC Marcus James (Jim) Hamilton (KIA 27 Aug 1970)
4:00p Rolling Thunder Ohio POW-MIA Vietnam Program – Building 9
6:00p Flags for Forgotten Soldiers: Veteran Suicide Prevention and Awareness – Building 31
Keynote Speaker: Jhan Corzine, Ross County Suicide Prevention Coalition
Guest Speaker: Howard Berry, Flags for Forgotten Soldiers
Special Remarks: Jeenee Hines, Suicide Prevention Case Manager, VA Medical Center
Musical Tribute: Aladdin Shrine Pipe and Drums
Sunday, September 23
10:00a Sunday Service – Chapel, Building 252
2:00p Closing Ceremony – VA Memorial Stadium
Guest Speaker: Col. Ron Sampson (ret.), US Air Force
Raffle Drawing: Shawn Carter
2:30p Event Close