Tribute to Vietnam Veterans Packs Georgetown – Ridge Farm High School Gymnasium

ABOVE: Illinois National Guard Adjutant General Rodney Boyd delivers keynote address at Saturday’s Tribute to Vietnam Veterans in Georgetown.

It was an idea from the Georgetown – Ridge Farm Men’s Club, going back to our conversation last week with Chris Jarvis.  And when everyone was settled on Saturday afternoon in the Georgetown – Ridge Farm High School Gym, after the parade through town, the special tribute to Vietnam Veterans took place.

The floor was crowded with living Vietnam Veterans on one side, recognized one by one; while the other side had family members of deceased Vietnam Vets, also recognized one-by-one.  The stands were packed with residents showing their appreciation, and the Georgetown-Ridge Farm High School Band was on stage to play the Service Songs and National Anthem at the start of the program.

(1st Picture) An ovation for Vietnam Veterans in attendance.  (2nd Picture) State Rep Brandun Schweizer stands with other United States Marines while the Georget0wn-Ridge Farm H.S. Band plays the Service Songs (State Senator Chapin Rose is to his left).

The guest speaker was General Rodney Boyd, Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard.  He’s a native of Chicago who’s currently stationed at Camp Lincoln in Springfield.

Numerous dignitaries and legislators were in attendance, including State Senator Chapin Rose, who couldn’t hold back his smile prior to the start of the program.

AUDIO: This is really one of the coolest things I’ve ever been a part of.  This county is so Patriotic.  We love our Veterans.  And look at this turnout.  We had the parade; we couldn’t be more honored to have General Boyd here.  A lot of these men and women home from Vietnam with no thank you, with no party, with no welcome home; and they’ve been waiting 50 years for this day.

Vermilion County State’s Attorney Jacqueline Lacy, State Rep Adam Niemerg, and Congresswoman Mary Miller all take their turns speaking.

For State Rep Adam Niemerg, it was quite simple; to give all who deserve it a great big “Thank You.”

AUDIO: After 50 years, it’s long overdue.  And I want to say THANK YOU to our Vietnam Veterans, the sacrifices that they made to keep our country free; and I want to thank their families for the sacrifices that they made as well.

State Rep Brandun Schweizer spent over 20 years in the United States Marines.  He says the mistake made with a lack of a welcome home for Vietnam Veterans is a major reason today’s Veterans are treated with proper respect.  So events like this are very important.

AUDIO: To be able to recognize the Veterans that came before us; the Vietnam Vets had a lot to do with how we are welcomed nowadays; especially the way I came home.  The parades and the ceremonies that they have, you know; they didn’t get to have that.  So it’s great to be able to do this for them.

Saturday’s ceremony at Georgetown-Ridge Farm High School was moved indoors due to the wet weather from Friday.