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Sarasota County is an All-America City Finalist
Sarasota County is an All-America City Finalist
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Salute to Honor Vietnam Veterans
By Michael Scott Davidson
Orlando Sentinel Staff Writer
April 29, 2013
When David Hutchinson returned home from Vietnam, there were no ticker-tape parades or fanfare.
"I had one uncle who drove 50 miles to my in-laws' house to thank me for what I had done," said the 64-year-old former Army sergeant, commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8087 in Mount Dora. "He was the only one that recognized me."
A recently adopted Florida House of Representatives resolution seeks to give Hutchinson and the other 454,000 Vietnam veterans living in Florida the hero's welcome lawmakers said they deserve, 40 years after the last troops left Vietnam.
A "Welcome Home" celebration is set for May 18 — Armed Forces Day — in Tavares. There will be a parade at 10 a.m. on Main Street, followed by a recognition and honor ceremony from noon to 1 p.m. at Wooton Park.
The keynote speaker will be Charlie Plumb, a retired Navy captain and former prisoner of war who lives in California. Plumb, a recipient of two Purple Hearts, the Legion of Merit, the Silver Star, the Bronze Star and the POW Medal, spent nearly six years in communist prison camps after his F-4 Phantom jet fighter was shot down.
State Rep. Larry Metz, R-Yalaha, sponsored the resolution, which call for greater recognition of the sacrifice and service of Vietnam veterans.
A recently adopted Florida House of Representatives resolution seeks to give Hutchinson and the other 454,000 Vietnam veterans living in Florida the hero's welcome lawmakers said they deserve, 40 years after the last troops left Vietnam.
A "Welcome Home" celebration is set for May 18 — Armed Forces Day — in Tavares. There will be a parade at 10 a.m. on Main Street, followed by a recognition and honor ceremony from noon to 1 p.m. at Wooton Park.
The keynote speaker will be Charlie Plumb, a retired Navy captain and former prisoner of war who lives in California. Plumb, a recipient of two Purple Hearts, the Legion of Merit, the Silver Star, the Bronze Star and the POW Medal, spent nearly six years in communist prison camps after his F-4 Phantom jet fighter was shot down.
State Rep. Larry Metz, R-Yalaha, sponsored the resolution, which call for greater recognition of the sacrifice and service of Vietnam veterans.
"Like all generations of military service members before and since, Vietnam veterans bravely answered the call of duty," said Metz, a Marine Corps veteran. "Over 58,000 of them gave the last full measure of their devotion to that duty, and many who returned home were treated disrespectfully."
He encouraged participation in the parade. "It's time to recognize that wrong, warmly embrace our Vietnam veterans, and say 'thank you, and welcome home.'"
Hutchinson, of Mount Dora, said he thought the gesture will be appreciated by Vietnam veterans, but it comes too late for many. "I feel bad for the guys that passed away and never got that acknowledgement," he said, "that they did something worthwhile."
US Navy Photos
002 | 1862 | On the James River in Virginia . "Effect of Confederate shot on Federal ironclad Galena " | James F. Gibson
003 | 1864 | " James River , Virginia . Double-turreted monitor U.S.S. Onondaga, soldiers in rowboat"
004 | 1865 | " City Point , Virginia (vicinity). Medical supply boat Planter at General Hospital wharf on the Appomattox "
005 | 1890 | Florida . "Brown's Landing, Rice Creek"
Photos from when MOAA Member US Navy Captain Retired Joe Dovenor was on active duty. I think.
Legacy of Valor
What is the Legacy of Valor?
Legacy of Valor is a campaign that rallies our community to honor veterans, inspire patriotism and embrace freedom. A mosaic of community-driven partnerships will educate, build enthusiasm and focus the community to use time, talent and treasure to recognize the service and sacrifice of all veterans throughout the campaign and beyond.
Why did The Patterson Foundation create Legacy of Valor?
The Patterson Foundation created The Legacy of Valor campaign to raise awareness about veterans’ issues and programs in our community. Through Legacy of Valor partnerships, community entities are collaborating with each other to create and build upon existing activities and events to educate, build enthusiasm and focus the community to honor and support veterans and their families.
How does the Legacy of Valor campaign honor veterans?
The Legacy of Valor Campaign honors veterans and their families through a series of community-driven events that honor the service and sacrifice of the men and women in our nation’s armed forces. The yearlong series of Legacy of Valor partnership events—which include a variety of experiences from luncheons honoring veterans to performances—began in April 2013.
Military Memorabilia at Venice Museum
LEGACY OF VALOR: MILITARY MEMORABILIA AND HISTORY ON DISPLAY AT VENICE MUSEUM AND ARCHIVES
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Did you know May is Military Appreciation Month? This week, we’re spotlighting Legacy of Valor community partner Venice Museum and Archives and its exhibit showcasing the military uniforms, photographs and memorabilia of the Kentucky Military Institute.
The museum, 351 Nassau St. S., Venice, is open Monday-Wednesday from 10 am to 4pm and is free and open to the public! For more information, visit venicegov.com/archives
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