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Posted March 10, 2023 | 9:46 AM

Hillsborough County Hosts Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans and War Dogs Event on March 25

50th year commemoration honors legacy of all who served in Southeast Asia

Hillsborough County, Fla. (March 10, 2023) - The Vietnam Veterans of America/Chapter 787, the Veterans Council of Hillsborough County, and Hillsborough County Consumer & Veterans Services invite the community to the annual Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans & War Dogs remembrance event on Saturday, March 25. The event begins at 10 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Park and Rear Admiral LeRoy Collins Jr. Veterans Museum, 3602 U.S. 301 N., Tampa, FL 33619.

The event precedes National Vietnam War Veterans Day on March 29, which marks the final departure of U.S. troops from South Vietnam in 1973. The annual ceremony and social gathering serve to properly recognize the valor and sacrifice of military families and Veterans of the Vietnam era.

The Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans & War Dogs event on March 25 will feature:

  • 50th Year Vietnam War Commemoration lapel pinning for all Veterans of the era and their surviving spouses.

  • Salutes to local military heroes and the canines who served in war.

  • Keynote speaker Geoffrey Morris, U.S. Army Warrant Officer, Silver Star recipient

  • Patriotic music, rifle salute, and playing of taps.

  • On-site resources from James A. Haley Veterans Hospital for the Agent Orange Registry, caregiving, pharmacy, suicide prevention, and Veterans Affairs benefit claims.

  • Refreshments ranging from American picnic fare to authentic Southeast Asian cuisine.

In a demonstration of gratitude and good fortune to Vietnam Veterans in attendance, the Vietnamese American Community of St. Petersburg/Clearwater/Largo will perform a colorful and traditional performance of the Phoenix and Lion Dance.

The Vietnam War Memorial at Veterans Memorial Park features a special war dog memorial and a pair of famous U.S. Army helicopters. The American Bell UH-1 Huey and AH-1 Cobra represent the Vietnam era in one of the region's most prolific showcases.

Veterans Memorial Park is open daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Events and parking are free.

For more information, contact Hillsborough County Consumer & Veterans Services at (813) 635-8316.

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