Vietnam Veterans Day 2022 By COL Ret. Arthur Tulak, Ed.D. On March 29, 2022 in Honolulu, Hawaii will commemorate Anniversary of the Vietnam War and pay tribute to our Vietnam Veterans and their families. There are two main events, the first of which is a ceremony organized by Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 858 at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at 1000 hrs. This event will include the presentation of State Flags by Punahou JROTC, music from the 25th Infantry Division Band, presentation of wreaths by Veterans and civic organizations, military commands, our political leaders, and members of the consular corps, and a 21 Gun Salute rendered by the 1st Batt. 12th Marines. The Guest Speaker will be General, US Army (Ret.) David Bramlett, and Mr. Allen Hoe, will be the Master of Ceremonies, and the Keynote Speaker will be ADM Samuel Paparo, USN Commander Pacific Fleet. Companion Fred Staedel will be the announcer for the organization lei presentations. At 1630 hrs, a second ceremony will be held at Fort DeRussy, ahead of the National Vietnam Veterans Day Parade in Waikiki, which starts at 1800 hrs— https://www.vietnamveteransparade.org/vetspage The Commandery has been invited to participate in the parade, and we will ride in two open Jeeps provided by Col Jim Atchley and LTC (Ret.) “Manny” Manchester. We will be able to mount our Commandery and 50th Vietnam Commemoration flags to these vehicles, and will be recognized by the announcer at the main grand stand when we pass by. This is the first Waikiki parade that we have signed up to participate in, and should be a memorable event. Each vehicle can carry 4 persons.
In a call to action, Phil Waite, chief of strategic engagement for The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration said, “We hope everyone will join together on March 29, 2022, to honor Vietnam Veterans and their families during this 5th anniversary of National Vietnam War Veterans Day.” Our Commandery is answering the call!
50th Vietnam Veteran Recognition Program Recognizes Hawaii Veteran with the 50th Vietnam War Veteran Pin By Fred Staedel As reported in the December issue, I have committed to finding Vietnam veterans who have yet to be acknowledged and receive the "50th Anniversary Vietnam Veteran War Commemorative Pin” that continues the tradition established at the close of WWI, of providing a lapel pin to recognize specific war service. As a 50th Commemorative Partner, the Commandery presents these pins on behalf of DoD, along with the Commandery’s Certificate of Recognition signed by the Commander and the 50th Veteran Committee Chairman. This month, I presented the 50th Vietnam War Commemoration Pin to Vietnam Veteran Specialst 5 (SP5) Mike Gorelangton, U.S. Army, who served a tour in Vietnam in 1969-1970. Mike served with the Army’s 199th Infantry Brigade (“The Redcatchers”) at Camp Frenzell-Jones northeast of Saigon and Bien Hoa. Spec 5 Gorelangton's primary duty was the supplying of five remote located Fireteams protecting a major attack route into Saigon by the enemy. The 199th Infantry Brigade was a major combat unit in Vietnam and earned 11 campaign streamers. The unit is currently stationed at Fort Benning, GA. The presentation was made at the Honolulu Elks Club and was witnessed by six others of which three were veterans; one Navy and two Army. 7
Above: SP5 Mike Gorelangtun and Companion Staedel overlooking Waikiki Beach at the Elks Lodge. 7 MAR 2022
