RivCo Community Honors Vietnam Veterans During Annual Ceremony

MENIFEE, CA — Vietnam veterans were honored for their service during an annual ceremony in Menifee on Thursday.

The 5th Annual Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Ceremony was held at Paloma Valley High School in partnership with Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 47, VFW Post 1956.

During the annual event, attendees were able explore a photo and artifact exhibit and access resources for veterans. There was also a giveaway for Vietnam veterans at the ceremony.

The keynote speaker for the event was John Philip Baca, United States Army Specialist Fourth Class and Medal of Honor recipient, who served in the Vietnam War. Baca saved the lives of eight fellow soldiers and continues to support veterans and their families. After pursuing a career a veterans affairs benefits counselor, he returned to Vietnam to help build a clinic with his retired fellow servicemembers.

"This morning I talked to my friend... We held hands on the medivac Feb. 10, 1970. You keep that connection, that bond. We were what we call a 'mud and blood brotherhood,'" Baca said during the event.

Speakers during the ceremony included retired USMC Sergeant Major Gerald Saunders, retired US Navy Chaplain Jeff Saville, Councilman Dean Deines, Councilman Ben Diederich, Councilman Dan Temple, and Acting Mayor Bob Karwin.

A livestream of the formal ceremony can be watched here.