On March 29th at Wenatchee Valley College, veteran organizations from around the valley joined together to mark the 50th Anniversary of the end of hostilities in Vietnam. The afternoon’s program paid tribute to all who served in Vietnam and recognized those Chelan and Douglas County military members that were killed during the conflict.
The event was held in the WVC Student Rec Center with nearly 400 people attending. The Wenatchee Valley Symphony Orchestra and Wenatchee Apollo Club Men’s Choir provided patriotic and uplifting music throughout the ceremony. Flags of our country and military branches were presented by Color Guard members of the VFW and American Legion. Mayors Mike Poirier, of Wenatchee, and Jerrilea Crawford, from East Wenatchee, welcomed the audience and later laid wreaths at the POW/MIA flag. During a special part of the ceremony, both mayors presented Vietnam 50th Anniversary Pins to qualifying veterans in attendance. Also, military nurses that served during the conflict were celebrated for the compassion and care they provided to our wounded and injured military members.
As one attendee shared:
“As a Vietnam Veteran 1971-1972, thank you for your efforts on providing this celebration and recognition to veterans.”
– Roger H., Eastmont High Class of 1967
March 29, 1975 is recognized as the official end of hostilities in Vietnam, but the last American military member to actually leave was Marine Master Sergeant Juan Valdez on April 30, 1975 as he boarded a CH-46 helicopter from the roof of the U.S. Embassy in Saigon.
