The Sijan Chapter hosted some very special guests at a General Membership meeting on September 12th at the Colorado Springs Library. Members of the United States Armed Forces who served on active duty during the period of November 1, 1955 to May 16, 1975, regardless of location, received a Vietnam War Commemoration lapel pin. Chapter Vice President for Veterans Affairs, Paul Bailey, orchestrated this event, providing the information that a Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pin was available to recognize, thank and honor U.S. military veterans who served during the Vietnam War. An Eagle representing courage, honor and dedicated service to our nation is emblazoned on the front of the pin and the back carries the message “A Grateful Nation Thanks and Honors You.”
The Academy High School Junior ROTC Honor Guard posted the colors to open the evening followed by remarks from Colorado AFA President Tim Tichawa and Chapter President Don Kidd. Major Michael D. Kennedy, Course Director for Modern Military History of the U.S. Air Force Academy presented a slide show and overview of the Vietnam War along with his thanks to those who served.
Each Vietnam Veteran was individually recognized and thanked by the Colorado Springs Vice President of Vietnam Veterans Chapter and by Paul Bailey from Sijan. Additionally a proclamation from the Colorado Springs City Council declared September 12th Air Force Association and United States Air Force Day to highlight the presentations, an act which brought an enthusiastic thank you from the attendees. The evening concluded with an Air Force Birthday cake cutting performed by the oldest and the youngest attendees, Mr. Gus Freyer and AFJROTC Cadet Anthony Mayes, whose combined ages totaled 100 years.
Special thanks for Paul Bailey for organizing this General Membership meeting to honor and thank our Vietnam Veterans.
(Photographs provided by Cody Nolen)
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