Recognizing their sacrifice

POST FALLS — Vietnam era veterans will receive a warm welcome home Saturday, courtesy of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the American Legion.

The multi-chapter, two-state event commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War is 3 p.m. Sept. 16 at the Post Falls American Legion.

The commemoration honors all veterans who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces at any time from Nov. 1, 1955 to May 15, 1975, regardless of location.

“All those who serve in the U.S. Armed Forces are committing their lives to that potential ultimate sacrifice,” said organizer Trina Caudle. “We had a lot of people who gave that sacrifice (during the Vietnam War era) and some who came back were treated with anger. It means a lot for a Vietnam veteran to finally be recognized for that service and their sacrifices.”

A formal ceremony will feature Gregory Lucas, a Vietnam veteran and president of the Washington State Sons of the American Revolution, as well as Tami Grandstaff-Chamberlain, daughter of Medal of Honor recipient Bruce H. Grandstaff.

The event culminates with the pinning of each previously unrecognized Vietnam veteran in attendance.

“Most veterans are very humble,” Caudle said. “They don’t want a lot of recognition. But there’s something in knowing what you did was appreciated. The purpose is to provide that recognition and that welcome home they didn’t get.”

Caudle knows that all too well. Her father served in Vietnam and she’s seen firsthand how his experiences impacted his life, as well as their family.

“It’s important to recognize those who sacrifice,” she said.

Washington’s Daughters of the American Revolution chapters — including Sacajawea, Jonas Babcock and May Hutton — will join Idaho’s Pleasantview Chapter and Stephen H. Nipper’s American Legion Post 143 to host the “welcome home” event.