The Vietnam Wall Experience 2001 Build it, and they will come...
KOMO-TV4 News Coverage from that weekend:
A Salute to Women Veterans
Friday's main event was "A Salute to Women Veterans" which was a very moving event for all of those in attendance.
Some of the moving highlights were the impressive flyovers by the Blackjack Squadron, the awe-inspiring 150 voices of the Pacific Sound ladies chorus, the enchanting music provided by the Bellhops (youth hand bell choir), the eloquent keynote speech by BG Marcia Clark giving the history of women in service to their country since the Civil War (which drew a standing ovation), and the dove release (58 white doves, one for each 1,000 names on the Wall, plus one black-tailed dove in remembrance of our POW/MIAs). Of course, the heartmoving music of Amazing Grace by the Seattle Bag & Pipe Corps. It was truly one of the memorable events we have ever attended.
At the end of the ceremony the women who served in Vietnam in all capacities were asked by Mike Rogers (US Army - Ret) to stand and come to the podium to be recognized. Mike's heartfelt introduction moved many to tears.
Without the ladies prior knowledge, Vietnam vets from VVA-423 presented the ladies with their Purple Hearts for the wounds the ladies received to their hearts while serving in-country in Vietnam. It was a very moving moment for all in attendance.
Welcome: J.C. Barr, and Mike Rogers Parade of Colors: All-service, all-women members National Colors: VFW Post 2995 National Anthem: Pacific Sound Pledge of Allegiance: Captain Tonya Williams Invocation: Jackie Holzinge Dove Release: Music by the Pacific Sound Music: Seattle Bag & Pipe Corps Keynote Address: BG Marcia Clark, USAF, Ret. Music: Bellhops (youth hand bell choir) Special Presentation: Mike Rogers (purple hearts to the ladies) Benediction: Jackie Holzinger Music: Seattle Bag & Pipe Corps Rifle Salute & Taps: VVA Chapter 423 At 10:00pm, there was a candlelight Vigil Save for them a place Inside of you And save one backward glance When you are leaving For the places they can No longer go. Be not ashamed to say You loved them Though you may Or may not have always. "Take what they have left and what they have taught you with their dying and keep it with your own. And in that time When men decide and feel safe To call war insane take one moment to embrace those gentle heroes you left behind.
Saturday's main focus was "The Vietnam Wall Experience" which featured General & Flag officers who spoke of the missions their branch of service performed throughout Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. This was followed by an outstanding keynote address by Major General Patrick Brady, U.S. Army (Ret). And a very special presentation was made by Mike Rogers which we will feature in the near future that brought the audience to tears....
Parade of Colors National Colors National Anthem: Pacific Sound Pledge of Allegiance: Mike Karr Amazing Grace: Seattle Bag & Pipe Corps Invocation: Captain Richard Marin Dove Release: Music by the Pacific Sound US Army Representative: BG Dan Coffey [Served as a Dust-off pilot in Vietnam!] US Marine Corps Representative: Col. Jim Coolican US Navy Representative: RADM Vincent Smith US Air Force Representative: BG Marcia Clark US Coast Guard Representative: RADM John Lockwood Remarks & Presentation: MG Jim Collins Keynote Address: MG Patrick Brady Music: Pacific Sound Special Presentation: Mike Rogers Music: Pacific Sound Rifle Salute & Taps: VFW Post 2995 Benediction: Captain Richard Marin At 10:00pm, there was a candlelight Vigil scheduled
Sunday's attendance as the weather improved, was by far the best turnout throughout the event. Main features on this last day was the tribute to The Dogs of War and The Concert in the Park.
Also on Sunday's program was a reading by Clara Milborne whose brother is KIA/BNR. We sincerely regret we do not have a photo of Clara to post at this time. Our POW/MIAs are NOT forgotten!
Below are some very special volunteers that we would be remiss not to mention. These are the young ladies that hosted the "Welcome Home" Veterans Day Parade in Granite Falls for Vietnam veterans in 1997. This unique parade drew national and international media attention. At the time these young ladies were just girls. Now they are young ladies who will continue to educate the younger students at Granite Falls and keep the tradition alive. Debra Howell, their former teacher, is shown at the left. Thanks Ladies! Pam & I will always remember that parade and the warm hospitality you extended to all veterans! Debra and the young ladies worked in the locator tent and at the Moving Wall helping visitors locate names.
SALUTE to The Vietnam Wall Experience Event Chair
Mike, without your hard work, your excellent leadership qualities, your personal and heartfelt devotion to your brothers and sisters, your dedication to our communities, this event would not have been nearly as meaningful for all who volunteered and attended the Wall at Sunset Hills. You have our deep personal thanks and admiration.
Photos courtesy of The Northwest Veterans Newsletter © 2001
============== We've had several contact us since the event asking how they can get copies of the in-country artwork that was display at the Vietnam Wall Experience 2001 event. Here's how.... In Country Art.Com ==============
THANK YOU!
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