Vietnam Veterans Day recognized with ceremony

A commemorative recognition ceremony for Vietnam Veterans Day, sponsored by the Griffith Rutherford Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution and the Rutherford County Department of Veteran Services, was held March 29 at the Veterans Services office on Fairgrounds Road in Spindale. Veterans, their families and friends attended the ceremony, which included a reception. During the ceremony Vietnam Veteran Doug Jackson read an original poem, "Brotherhood." Brandon Wilson, assistant director of human resources and training with the North Carolina Department of Military & Veterans Affairs, spoke and thanked the Veterans. He related his story of returning home from war. "On my flight home, I watched a documentary on the Vietnam War, and saw how you were treated when you returned home. It suddenly felt nervous about coming home myself." But when he was greeted by a Vietnam vet who thanked him for his service, Wilson said he realized that the Vietnam Veterans would provide for returning veterans in a way they themselves had not been greeted. "Thank you for allowing me to serve my nation as you did yours," Wilson said. Vietnam Veterans Day is held annually on March 29 or 30 as part of a national effort to recognize men and women who were denied a proper welcome upon returning home more than 40 years ago.