Organizers seek to recognize all Vietnam-era veterans during June events

Planned event to be held June 5-9 in East Toledo's International Park

3/21/2013

Organizers of a planned Vietnam Era Veterans Appreciation Event, which will be held June 5-9 in East Toledo's International Park, are asking veterans who served during that period to register.

Event co-director Mark Peddicord, marketing manager at The Blade, said the event was expanded to include all veterans from the era, including those who were stationed elsewhere in the world. 

"The goal is to honor those veterans and give them the welcome they did not get," Mr. Peddicord said.

Many of them were vilified when they returned to the United States decades ago, he said, but the veterans will be honored during a slate of activities planned for the weekend.

For many, the highlight will be the return of the Moving Wall, a half size replica of the Washington Vietnam Veterans Memorial that has been touring the country for more than 20 years. The wall, which last was in Toledo in 2005, will be on display at International Park in downtown Toledo on June 6, event co-director Duke Wheeler said.

Some of the activities are still being planned, said Mr. Wheeler, owner of Whitehouse Christmas Tree Farm in Whitehouse. Details are available at www.toledoveteransevent.com.

Other events planned during the week include: An honor motorcycle ride and salute, a veteran’s health clinic/expo and job fair, veteran forums, and a United Service Organization show. Most of the activities will be held at International Park. All events will be open to the public.

The tribute wall, which contains all 58,267 names of the fallen, will be on display in the afternoon. Vintage military vehicles and a helicopter from the Vietnam era will also be on display throughout the park.

Mr. Wheeler said Vietnam era veterans from anywhere are welcome.