Col. Thomas Lothrop Old Colony Chapter NSDAR Vietnam War Commemorative Program

Col. Thomas Lothrop Old Colony Chapter NSDAR Vietnam War Commemorative Program

The Colonel Thomas Lothrop Old Colony Chapter, NSDAR held a Vietnam War Commemorative Program at the GAR Memorial Hall in Hingham on Wednesday, October 14, 2015 from 2-4pm celebrating the 125th Anniversary of the DAR and our Service to America by honoring our Vietnam Veterans.

The Colonel Thomas Lothrop Old Colony Chapter of the DAR became a Commemorative Partner with the United States Vietnam War Commemoration through the Office of the Secretary of Defense assisting our grateful nation to thank and honor Vietnam Veterans and their families.

The Program recognized, thanked and honored United States military veterans who served during the Vietnam War period. United States Veterans, who served on active duty in the United States Armed Forces from 1955 to 1975 regardless of location, were awarded Presidential Proclamations, Office of the Secretary of Defense Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pins and DAR Certificates recognizing their valor, service and sacrifice during the Vietnam War.

Scott McMillan was the Guest of Honor Speaker, a Hingham, MA Vietnam Era Veteran, Hingham Citizen of the Year as well as the Recipient on behalf of Hingham; the Town’s newly bestowed Secretary of Defense Freedom Award at the Pentagon this summer. The Freedom Award is the highest recognition given by the U.S. Government to employers for their support of their employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve and the first time to be awarded to a Town.

This year marks the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War. More than 58,000 Americans were killed in action during the Vietnam War, and more than 153,000 were wounded. All told, 658 U.S. Prisoners of War returned home alive from Southeast Asia, and as of 2014, 1,638 were still unaccounted for. There are roughly 7.4 million living Vietnam-era veterans. The DAR ceremony honored the service, remembered the sacrifice, and reflected on the legacy of all who did their part, abroad and on the home front.

The Colonel Thomas Lothrop Old Colony Chapter wants to thank Scott McMillan, Arthur Smith, Vietnam Veterans, members of Veterans Services, the VFW, and the Board of Trustees of the GAR Memorial Hall for their contributions, attendance and supporting the DAR event on October 14th. Their generosity, support and participation helped to make possible a successful Vietnam War Commemorative Program. Thank you to Stop and Shop, Starbucks Coffee Company, Sadie Mae’s Cupcake Cafe and Pepperidge Farm for their donations to the event. Thank you to members of Colonel Thomas Lothrop Old Colony Chapter of the DAR for 125 years of dedication to community service, genealogy, patriotism, historic preservation, conservation and education.

For further information regarding the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War, refer to the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration website: www.vietnamwar50th.com or contact the Colonel Thomas Lothrop Old Colony Chapter NSDAR at http://www.massdar.org/colthomaslothrop.html.