On August 1st, I was honored to have lunch with several Vietnam Veterans at a press conference called by the Board of Warrior’s Weekend. Unfortunately I came ill-prepared, having left my glasses and pen at home. So I am telling you from memory what it was all about.
“Vietnam Veterans are some of our most loyal supporters of Warrior’s Weekend,” said Ron Kocian, Warrior’s Weekend President. “They want to see that soldiers returning from The War on Terror receive the recognition they deserve.”
Several of the Veterans in attendance spoke to us about their Vietnam experience and the often hostile reception they received upon their return to the States. One of them, Manuel Rivera, brought to Ron’s attention the idea that, even though many years have passed, it’s not too late to show these veterans that their service is also appreciated.
The Board agreed and is now planning “The Parade That Never Was” to honor all Vietnam era veterans and those who lost loved ones in the Vietnam War. The parade is planned for October 13, 10:00 a.m., in downtown Victoria.
You will be hearing more about the parade in this publication and others in our area. (Reporters from Victoria, Calhoun, and Jackson counties attended the press conference and were all given information and registration forms for the event.)
If you are a Vietnam-era Veteran, you may contact the Dolphin for a registration form. (See our phone number, e-mail and mailing address on the Contact page.) Your participation in “The Parade That Never Was” is requested and highly desired. The Dolphin will be happy to mail or e-mail a registration form to you.
I cannot remember if Manuel Rivera, the inspiration for the parade, is from Port Lavaca or Victoria, but I do know Joe Pena from Port Lavaca, who also spoke at the luncheon. Joe was inducted into the military days after President John F. Kennedy was assassinated on November 22, 1963. Joe fought in the Battle of la Drang. November 14-18, 1965, the subject of the book “We Were Soldiers Once…And Young” written by Lt. Gen. Harold G. Moore (Ret.) and war journalist Joseph L. Galloway of Refugio, Texas. Mr. Galloway was awarded the Bronze Star for helping to rescue wounded American soldiers under fire during the battle. The book was later made into the movie “We Were Soldiers” starring Mel Gibson.
-Joyce Rhyne, Editor
