COEUR d'ALENE - A local service organization will thank Vietnam War veterans and their families on Oct. 17 as part of the 50-year commemoration of the war.

"The Vietnam War was such an important part of our history," said Barb Nelson, a Post Falls resident and member of the Lt. George Farragut Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

The DAR is organizing the free ceremony, which is open to the public, at 11 a.m. in the Community Room of the Coeur d'Alene Public Library, 702 E. Front Ave.

"These soldiers gave their lives and others are still giving and came home with Agent Orange that's affecting generations that follow."

This is the second year of the DAR's nationwide three-year program to commemorate the war. Last year's luncheon at the Hayden Country Club focused on war survivors.

This year's program will focus on those who were killed or missing in action, or were prisoners of war. However, the DAR wants to recognize all veterans of the war or their families. Relatives who lost loved ones, but were not from here, are also being sought.

Family members are asked to contact Nelson at 262-8055 on or before Sept. 2, at 930-1661 on or after Sept. 3 or email IdahoBarb208@gmail.com.

The program will include the dedication of a special cabinet made by Vietnam War veteran and Hayden resident Wayne Syth. The cabinet will showcase sentimental treasures left by visitors to the traveling Vietnam War wall when it was in Hayden in 2013.

Donna Harwood, a DAR member and Vietnam War veteran from Coeur d'Alene, will be the keynote speaker at the ceremony and share memories into the part women played during the war.

Nelson said it's important to recognize veterans and their families who served and sacrificed despite war protests at home.

"It was a war that wasn't well-received and many of the veterans were not appreciated," Nelson said. "They deserve a huge thanks from everyone in this county. It's overdue, and we're trying to do it right."

Veterans' relatives sought

The Lt. George Farragut Chapter of The Daughters of the American Revolution is seeking relatives of the following Vietnam War veterans as well as local relatives in the area who lost loved ones in the war but were not from here so the veterans can be honored on Oct. 17. Contact Barb Nelson of the DAR at 262-8055 on or before Sept. 2, at 930-1661 on or after Sept. 3 or email IdahoBarb208@gmail.com.

* Howard L. Jones, Jr., Post Falls, Marine Corps

* Thomas G. Funke, Coeur d'Alene, Navy

* David E. Cinkosky, Post Falls, Army

* LeRoy E. Damiano, Harrison, Army

* William Blenkinsop, Coeur d'Alene, Army

* Robert E. Wise, Coeur d'Alene, Army

* Robert J. Gordon, Coeur d'Alene, Army

* Stephen M. McArther, Coeur d'Alene, Army

* Steven H. Nipp, Post Falls, Marine Corps

* Russel L. Watson, Post Falls, Army

* Franklin D. McNary, Coeur d'Alene, Navy

* Eugene Wolters, Coeur d'Alene, Marine Corps

* Howard B. Waldron, Coeur d'Alene, Marine Corps