Area Vietnam veterans honor fellow and fallen soldiers

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — An event was held in downtown Wilmington Thursday to honor Vietnam veterans.

Held by Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 885, the event kicked off with the pledge of allegiance, speeches from chapter members, and the national anthem, featuring the color guard from Camp Lejeune.

Two veterans say they were just kids when they went to war and it changed them forever.

They add many soldiers did not make it back to the United States and those who did were not treated well.

“To have an event like this on a day like today where we remember our brothers and sisters who did not come home, and then we look at each other and we welcome each other home,” Curt Farrison said. “That’s big medicine for us. Very big.”

“This is to honor some of the veterans that did make it home, but have fallen by the wayside as all of us will one day,” Kenneth Jones said. “Just to honor them and thank them for their service.”

The event included a room dedication for the veterans who did not make it back from war and were missing in action.