DAR recognizes Vietnam veterans at Newcomerstown
A group photo of some of those in attendance at the event.
Members of the Daughters of the American Revolution awarded pins to Vietnam veterans at a pinning ceremony on March 28 at the Newcomerstown American Legion — Thomas C. Montgomery Post 431. The ceremony was timed to coincide with the March 29 celebration of the 50th anniversary of the last troops leaving Vietnam, marking the end of combat operations there. It also was the day Hanoi released the last acknowledged prisoners of war.
The pins feature an American eagle and the words “Vietnam War Veteran” on the front with the message “A Grateful Nation Thanks and Honors You” on the back. The post also received a commemorative flag marking the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War.
The DAR is a group of women who can trace their roots back to a patriot of the Revolutionary War. The group formed Oct. 11, 1890, during a time of patriotic revival and interest in the beginning of the United States. The mission of the group is historical, educational and patriotic.
Representing DAR were Rosemary Landis and Barbara Jones of Newcomerstown and Sharon Miller, all of the Anna Asbury Stone DAR chapter in Cambridge, as well as Jackie Gebhart of the Moravian Trail DAR chapter in Cadiz.
DAR is a commemorative partner with the United States of America Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemoration.
“It’s our privilege to be able to honor Vietnam vets and their families here at Newcomerstown,” Miller said. “This national commemoration was authorized by Congress, established under the secretary of defense and launched by the president in 2012. Its primary purpose is to thank and honor Vietnam veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice.”
Observed since 2012, March 29 is a day to honor Vietnam War veterans.
“We vowed to never again confuse personal disapproval of war with prejudice against those who are willing to wear the uniform of the armed forces. I think that’s a very important statement,” Miller said.
According to a presidential proclamation, the number of veterans who served during the recognized time period of the Vietnam War was 9 million.
“This number reflects the fact that our commemoration honors everyone who served on active duty in the U.S. armed forces from Nov. 1, 1955, to May 15, 1975,” Miller said. “There is no denying that 50 years is a long time to wait. Regardless, it is vital that each and every one of you Vietnam veterans and your families understand the prominent place you occupy in the consciousness of our nation and the high measure of esteem in which you are held by friends, neighbors and country. We have the distinct pleasure and privilege to recognize and honor you veterans with a memento of the nation’s gratitude.”
The lapel pins feature an American eagle that represents courage, honor and dedicated service to the United States; a blue circle matching the canton of the American flag and signifying vigilance, perseverance and justice; and a laurel wreath representing victory, integrity and strength. The stripes behind the eagle represent the American flag, and the six stars represent the six allies that fought: Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea, Thailand and the United States.
Those honored at the event were as follows:
—Air Force: Thomas Apple, Patricia Celes, Walter Murphy, Hugh Roller and Lymon T. Gano.
—Army: Alvin Art, Michael Art, James Bates, David Casteel, James Everhart, David Fockler, Marvin Garretson, William Heifner, Daryl Highman, David Hindel, Gary Hosfelt, Jerald Joyner, Harry Kenney, James Lewis, Gary Lucas, David May, Alford Miskimen, Paul Morrison, Jeffrey Quillen, Virgil Quillen, James Ross, Rudy Ross, Richard Hill, John Parks, Larry Stein, Roy Scheitzer, Charles Bill Welch, John Smith, Glenn Smith and Jim Bradford.
—Marines: James Blair and Edward Skerness.
—Navy: Glenn Miller, John Buss and Joel Styer.
—No branch of service listed: Edward Roberts and Eddie Salmon.
Patricia Celes of Newcomerstown, who served 20 years in the Air Force from 1974-94, was pleased with the event.
Celes is originally from Akron, but her family moved to the area when she was in high school. She held different jobs within the Air Force, starting out as an aircraft electrician, then moving to a job in recreation and sometimes working with the children of other service families. She finished out her career in the field of safety and was stationed in Korea for a time.
“The Korean Conflict hadn’t closed out while I was stationed there, and I was awarded the Korean Service Medal. That’s why I’m able to be a member of the VFW,” Celes said.
She is thankful for the initiative, DAR, and recognition of her and other’s service during the Vietnam War time period. In addition to the recognition, she also appreciates when businesses offer veteran discounts.
“We do a lot to help the community,” Celes said, adding through veterans groups, veterans are still contributing to their hometowns.
She’s just a little biased when she encourages young people to enter the Air Force over the other branches of military service.
“It was just nice to see the world, see different cultures and see how different people lived. And it really helped my daughter grow a lot and to become a great person because she traveled with me all those places. And she got to see different cultures and how different people live, and it’s not just how people live in Newcomerstown,” Celes said.
Celes said one of the biggest benefits of joining the military is the education. Through the Air Force’s education center, she was able to take the DANTES test and receive college credits.
“I ended up with two years of college just by taking the test, and they’re free. So that’s what I encourage all people in the military to do,” Celes said.
For more information on Vietnam War Commemoration, visit www.vietnamwar50th.com.