4-Day Event Commemorates Vietnam War In Camden County

Camden County will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War with a four-day event in early September, officials announced on Monday. The event will feature a different program each day beginning Thursday, Sept. 5, and ending Sunday, Sept. 8.

“Every veteran deserves a welcome home and proper thanks for their bravery and the sacrifices that they made in service of the United States,” Camden County Freeholder Melinda Kane, liaison to the Office of Veterans Affairs, said. “We’re asking for Vietnam veterans and their families to join us in celebration of their heroism and to pay tribute to those who served but never returned home.”

On Thursday, Sept. 5, the Office of Veterans Affairs will host a special Vietnam Veteran Pinning and Medal Ceremony at 6:30 p.m. The ceremony will honor and celebrate veterans of the Vietnam War who are current members of the community.

On Friday, Sept. 6, veterans, their families, and other members of the community will come together for a candlelight remembrance vigil at the Traveling Tribute Wall in Cooper River Park to honor those Vietnam veterans who never returned home.

On Saturday, Sept. 7, the county will host a veterans' resource fair, featuring family fun, educational activities, and a concert featuring the Tri-County Symphonic Band and Gary Puckett and the Union Gap.

The commemoration will conclude on Sunday, Sept. 8, with a closing ceremony and the 9/11 Heroes Run.

“This is the first event of its kind for Vietnam Veterans who received historically unjust treatment upon returning home from a war that they did not ask for,” said Kane, who is a Gold Star Mother. “Over the course of these four days, we will celebrate and honor them for the sacrifices they made for their country, pay tribute to those who lost their lives, and provide continuing resources and education opportunities for veterans in our community. We’re ensuring that all who serve receive the recognition and thanks that they deserve.”

The program is hosted by the Board of Freeholders in partnership with the Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemoration, the Philadelphia VA Medical Clinic, and The Travis Manion Foundation.

It commemorates the 50th anniversary of the war which began in November 1955 and ended in April 1975. In 2012, President Barack Obama issued a proclamation to recognize the 50th anniversary of the war over a 13-year period, during which the federal government would work with local governments to honor and celebrate the veterans in their communities.

For more information regarding Camden County’s Vietnam Commemorative event, visit http://www.camdencounty.com/WelcomeHomeVietnamVets. For more information about the history of the Vietnam War, please visit https://www.vietnamwar50th.com/.