Morgantown Elks, Vietnam vets’ group to host luncheon for those who wore the uniform
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MORGANTOWN - Thank you for your service.
Elks Lodge No. 411 of Morgantown and Chapter 306 of the city's Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter are mobilizing Sunday for a special afternoon honoring those who wore the uniform.
Both entities are linking for a luncheon, which will be 2 p.m. Sunday at the lodge on Chestnut Ridge Road.
Veterans from all branches who served in the war zone or at peacetime postings are invited to attend, said Vickie Trickett, the lodge's exalted ruler.
To RSVP by Friday and for more information, visit www.BPOElks411.org/veterans.html.
Meanwhile, Trickett thought it worthy to host such a gathering ahead of next Wednesday's Veterans Day observance.
"Veterans have given so much to our nation, and this celebration is one small way we can show our appreciation," Trickett said.
"We want every veteran to know that their service matters, their sacrifices are remembered and that they will always have a place in our community," the lodge leader continued.
Elks Lodge No. 411 has long been known for its patriotic-themed celebrations, including the sanctioned retirement of tattered American flags every June 14 - which is Flag Day across the U.S.
Its part the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, which is dedicated to the same.
Vietnam Veterans of American Chapter 306, meanwhile, is a local voice for veterans who served in Southeast Asia.
A total of 36,578 soldiers from West Virginia served during the fighting which spanned the first troops called up in February 1961 through May 1975 - when the last of the American forces withdrew after the fall of Saigon.
Of those ranks, 1,128 came home in flag-draped coffins, including Tom Bennett, a Morgantown High School graduate who also attended West Virginia University.
Bennett, who grew up in Star City, was a pacifist and conscientious objector who mustered in as a combat medic at the height of fighting in 1967.
He was killed two years later while rescuing platoon mates who were wounded and trapped under heavy fire.
In 1970, on the day that would have been his 23rd birthday, Bennett was posthumously recognized with the Medal of Honor in a ceremony at the White House.