National Vietnam War Veterans Day
Celebrated at the Brainerd VFW since 2022.
Welcome back to the World from Vietnam
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The Annual Brainerd VFW Vietnam Veterans Day recognition gathering will be on Friday, March 27, 2026, from 5 to 7 pm. There will be a free meal and beverage for Vietnam veterans and their significant others. Daughters of the American Revolution will serve apple pie and ice cream.
Chaplain Rios will give a prayer for those who did not return, and Taps will be played at about 5:45 pm. Because of the expected number of attendees, two group photos will be taken.
A good way for Vietnam veterans to share their experiences with those who have been there and done that. Veterans are encouraged to bring memorabilia. This gathering has enjoyed very good reviews, and the participation is growing. Check back for more details as they become available.
Chaplain Rios will give a prayer for those who did not return, and Taps will be played at about 5:45 pm. Because of the expected number of attendees, two group photos will be taken.
A good way for Vietnam veterans to share their experiences with those who have been there and done that. Veterans are encouraged to bring memorabilia. This gathering has enjoyed very good reviews, and the participation is growing. Check back for more details as they become available.
March 28, 2025: The Fourth Annual Vietnam Veterans Day gathering was held at the Brainerd VFW for 118 people, which included wives and significant others. Some brought memorabilia, all brought memories to share.
Veterans divided into two groups for photos because a single photo could not accommodate them.
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Brainerd VFW Chaplain Eusebia Rios told the group she was sorry that Vietnam veterans were so poorly treated when they returned home. She read a prayer and longtime member Marty Judd played Taps. |
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Thanks to VFW member Darnell King and his wife Renate for preparing dinner.
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Members of the Captain Robert Orr Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution brought and served 118 plates of apple pie with ice cream for dessert.
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The assembled group of over 100 people included significant others of Vietnam veterans.
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Lakeland TV was there to record video. Sue Sterling was doing interviews for a newspaper article telling the stories of Vietnam veterans.
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Radio ad -->> |
March 26, 2025: Radio interviews were recorded for playback on KLIZ, KUAL and B93.3/KBLB for playback on Thursday morning. March 27th. An interview was also recorded for the Community Focus program that aired at noon on WJJY Radio.
(l-r) Morning host on KLIZ Radio Zach Mahoney, Dan Holmes and Mark Persons.
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Hear the KLIZ interview ==>>
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Truth and Myths About the Vietnam War, a 47-minute documentary.
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A Gi's Companion; Armed Forces Vietnam Network radio documentary. https://rockradioscrapbook.ca/afvn.html
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March 29th is the National Vietnam War Veterans Day. April 29, 1975, was the official end of the Vietnam War Welcome back to the world/CONUS (Continental United States) |
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Vietnam Veterans in Brainerd VFW Post 1647 leadership in 2022:
Dave Meyer, Past Post Commander and Past Senior Vice Commander, now Commander of the Brainerd Honor Guard.
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Sergeant at Arms Mike Williams
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Gambling Manager
Chuck Hanson
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Historian and Webmaster
Mark Persons
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Trustee Richard Greenwalt
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Service Officer Steve Rosnow
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Poster compliments of the Captain Robert Orr Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
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Poster compliments of the Captain Robert Orr Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
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Of the 58, 220 service members who died in Vietnam, six were from Brainerd. As of 2022, it was estimated that just 30% of Vietnam veterans were still alive. About 530 are dying per day.
Friday, September 24, 2021: The Fabulous Armadillos put on a concert in Brainerd titled, What's Going On? It was music of the Vietnam War era. Funding was provided by the Brainerd VFW and Crow Wing County Chapter 22 of the Disabled American Veterans. Three veterans told their stories and veterans were asked to stand up to be recognized.
Photos from Vietnam and today:
Welcome home GI.
The soldiers of America in Vietnam
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Vietnam Veterans Memorial (The Wall) in Washington D.C.
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Friday, February 28, 2020: A three-hour program was put on at the Brainerd Public Library detailing a history of the Vietnam War. A number of Vietnam veterans attended. Lakeland Public Television Channels 9 and 22 did a story about the event. See: https://lptv.org/historian-arn-kind-brings-vietnam-war-stories-to-brainerd-public-library/
Reflections of War video
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Rest in peace
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