ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando VA Healthcare System (OVAHCS) on Friday will host a National Vietnam War Veterans Day 50th Commemoration Ceremony.
This milestone event honors and expresses gratitude to the brave men and women who served during the Vietnam War, recognizing their sacrifices and dedication to our nation.
The ceremony will occur at 11 a.m. at the amphitheater behind the Orlando VA Medical Center, adjacent to the Community Living Center, at 13800 Veterans Way. It will feature music from the VFW Post 2093 Central Florida Community Band and a special display of the Patriot Guard Riders Vietnam Veterans Wall, a powerful tribute to those who served.
“It’s really nice that they’ve had it here for several years now. They do it actually outside. But they have a nice ceremony there. They welcome them home. When they come back in, they come right in here and they flock to the wall and we’re able to talk to a lot of them. It brings a lot of closure to a lot of them,” Robert Warren said. “Makes me feel good. Makes me feel like I’m finally getting some closure after all these years.”
For Vietnam veterans like Robert Warren, it was tough returning to the U.S. after serving in Vietnam.
“Coming back from Vietnam, we weren’t treated like the guys are today. We were kind of shunned. Never looked at as anything but murderers,” he said.
Over the years, people have recognized the contributions of Vietnam veterans, like Warren, who served from 1971 to 1977.
“It’s changed though. That’s one thing that makes me happy. I know other soldiers coming back now are going to face what we did,” he said.
Warren is a part of the Patriot Guard Riders, a nonprofit that helps veterans and brings a replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial around the country, including to the OVAHCS.
OVAHCS Director/CEO Timothy J. Cooke will deliver the opening remarks, underscoring the importance of recognizing and supporting Vietnam veterans. Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings will present a proclamation honoring their service, followed by a keynote address from Retired Major General Arnold Fields.
“The National Vietnam War Veterans Day Ceremony is an opportunity for our community to come together and pay tribute to the heroes who served during the Vietnam War,” Cooke said in a press release. “As we commemorate this 50th anniversary, let us not only express our deepest gratitude but also reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that all Veterans receive the recognition, care, and support they deserve.”
Parking for the event will be available in the east and west parking garages, as well as in the south parking lot near the emergency room. Golf cart shuttle will be available to assist attendees to and from the ground floor of the parking garages.
This event is open to the public, and all are encouraged to attend to honor and remember the sacrifices of Vietnam veterans.
