Local organization hosts event honoring Vietnam War veterans

JACKSON, Tenn. (WNBJ) - The Jackson-Madison County Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution hosted an event honoring Vietnam veterans.

“They did what they were asked to do, and they stepped up and didn’t hesitate,” said Beth Bates, the President of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

The Daughters of the American Revolution is an organization dedicated to promoting historic preservation, education, and patriotism.

Today, they hosted an event honoring Vietnam veterans in west Tennessee at city hall.

The president of the organization explains why honoring these veterans now is so important.

“Vietnam veterans were not welcomed home when they returned in the late 60s and the early 70s. There was opposition to the war and unfortunately, that spread to the people,” said Bates.

At the event, DAR presented some Vietnam vets with certificates and pins for their service and sacrifice.

“Receiving the certificate and the pin was an honor. Especially, to see it and to see other brothers and sisters from that time period,” said Dan Rodenbaugh, a Vietnam Army veteran.

One Vietnam veteran reflects on this long-awaited recognition.

“I think it’s way overdue, especially for many of the veterans that have come home because they didn’t receive the recognition and many of them suffered a lot of anguish and anxiety. There was a lot of us that suffered silently,” said Rodenbaugh.

The city and county mayors presented DAR with a proclamation to commemorate the day.

The 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War will be in 2025.