The Chakchiuma Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will host a luncheon program honoring the veterans of the Vietnam War at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Greenwood Country Club.
America’s full involvement in the war in South Vietnam began with a small force almost 50 years ago. By the time the war officially ended in 1973, more than 550,000 military personnel had served in the Southeast Asian conflict, and some 58,000 had been killed.
Often, when the veterans returned home, they were scorned and ridiculed simply because they had served in an unpopular war. But the Daughters of the American Revolution embraced them wholeheartedly.
“They were so maligned and mistreated,” said Minnie Parham, the regent of the Chakchiuma Chapter, which serves Leflore County.
The DAR, whose motto is “God, Country, Home,” is featuring programs throughout the country to honor veterans over the next three years, Parham said.
Parham said about 21 Leflore County Vietnam-era veterans have been invited to Wednesday’s luncheon.
In addition to lunch for the veterans and their spouses, the program will also include brief remarks from Vietnam veterans Richard Avant, Gary McDonald and Floyd Melton Jr.
Parham said members of American Legion Post 29 helped plan the event.
“We’re excited about it. We’ve been involved with it for weeks now,” she said.
• Contact Bob Darden at 581-7239 or bdarden@gwcommonwealth.com.
