VVA Chapter 850 celebrates Vietnam Veterans Day

Central Delaware

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Honoring Vietnam Veterans Day, Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 850 president Joe Startt of Leipsic kneels before the Vietnam Memorial in Dover Saturday morning after placing the ceremonial wreath at it's base.

Keynote speaker for Saturday morning's ceremony was Judy Campbell of Wilmington who is a proud Gold Star Sister of Keith Allen Campbell who was killed in 1967 while serving with the 173d Airborne Brigade and she recalled several stories of how badly the Vietnam vets were treated upon returning home and how we as a nation should never treat those who serve that way ever again.

Greeting his fellow vets with a welcome home, Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 850 chaplain Michael Snyder gave both the invocation and the benediction during Saturday's ceremony.

Master of ceremonies and Vietnam veteran David Skocik, left, holds the microphone for Brooke Tucker, 13 of Frederica who recited the pledge of allegience to start the ceremony.

Vietnam Veterans of America Delaware State Council president Paul Davis of Woodside told the crowd in attendance that we shall never forget those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom and we must remember the families they left behind.

Vietnam veteran Bill Frantz of Dover plays Amazing Grace on the bagpipes after the reading of the names on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

Vietnam veteran Woody Postle of Dover stands silently saluting the American flag before he rings the ceremonial bell after each name on the Vietnam Memorial is read.

With Dover Mayor Carleton E. Carey behind her, Lori Christiansen of Dover once again sang The Star-Spangled Banner at a Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 850 ceremony.

VVA Chapter 850 member David Dill's granddaughter Brooke Tucker, 13 of Frederica had the honor of playing Taps to conclude the ceremony.

VVA Chapter 850 celebrates Vietnam Veterans Day

Updated March 31, 2012 at 02:35PM

DOVER - Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 850 held a ceremony Saturday, March 31, 2012 in honor of Vietnam Veterans Day.

Keynote speaker for the event was Judy Campbell who is a proud Gold Star Sister of Keith Allen Campbell who was killed in 1967 while serving with the 173d Airborne Brigade.

Concluding the ceremony, Brooke Tucker, 13 of Frederica played "Taps" after Master of Ceremonies and Vietnam vet David Skocik read the names of the soldiers on the Vietnam Memorial in Dover.

Photos by Dave Chambers

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