'We can never say thank you enough'

By BRIAN WALKER

Staff Writer

COEUR d'ALENE — A celebration of National Vietnam War Veterans Day will be held at McEuen Park at noon March 29.

The community event will honor those who served from Nov. 1, 1955 to May 15, 1975. All veterans, their families and community members are invited.

The commemoration makes no distinction between veterans who served in country, in theater or were stationed elsewhere during those 20 years. About 9 million Americans — roughly 7 million living today — served during that period.

"All answered the call of duty," said Barb Nelson, of the Lt. George Farragut Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, which is organizing the ceremony. "We can never say thank you enough.

"Many of the veterans never had a public thank you. They sacrificed so much and have made life enjoyable here."

A wreath ceremony will also honor those veterans who have passed, were prisoners of war or are missing in action.

The event will include remarks from a Coeur d'Alene city official, Coeur d'Alene Army and Vietnam veteran Robert Martin, music and background on the national day.

"We want to make it as sincere of a 'thank you' as we can," Nelson said. "We want it to be an upbeat event."

Nelson said the celebration was originally planned for North Idaho College, but was moved outside to make sure everyone who attends will have a seat. It will be held at the Veterans Memorial Plaza at McEuen Park and moved to the covered pavilion in case of bad weather. Attendees are encouraged to bring folding chairs.

The last of America's troops left Vietnam on March 29, 1973, according to a national Vietnam Veterans Day proclamation made in 2012. President Donald Trump proclaimed the commemorations will extend through Veterans Day 2025.