BARNEGAT, NJ — One woman's mission to share her gratitude towards Vietnam War veterans has grown into an annual event full of speakers, performances and more.
The annual Vietnam War Veterans Day celebration will be held at Barnegat High School on March 27 with a ceremony from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. and an informal reception from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Barnegat resident and Vietnamese refugee Thy Cavagnaro began the event in 2018 to thank veterans for what they had done. She came to America with her family in 1975, "escaping the fall of Saigon by the skin of our teeth," Cavagnaro said at last year's event. Read more: 'You Are Beloved': Barnegat Celebrates Vietnam War Veterans
This year's keynote speaker is student Marqueisha Philippe, who was just a freshman at Barnegat High School when she first participated in the event in 2022. A member of the marching band, she had no idea what Vietnam War veterans had faced until she took part in the event. It made her realize how important events like Barnegat's are for veterans and chose to spread the word about it, according to a post from Cavagnaro's Facebook page, Thanking Vietnam veterans in Barnegat.
The event will also feature a Vietnamese prisoner of war and an American prisoner of war as guest speakers, along with tables from veteran organizations and musical performances from Barnegat students.
For more information, visit the Thanking Vietnam veterans in Barnegat Facebook page.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Barnegat, NJ Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.