Honor Flight Show’s their Appreciation to Vietnam Veterans As Remembrance Day Approaches

By Chuck N. Baker 

History books tell us that when veterans of the war in Vietnam came home, for the most part they were looked down upon. It took several years before the public realized that they were merely doing a job, honoring the commitment and oath they made to serve their country. Once that was understood, honors and tributes to them and other veterans of other conflicts began to develop.  

Today, Vietnam veterans, along with others who served in the U.S. Armed Forces, are treated with the respect they are entitled to and deserve. Some of that respect is put forth through the local southern Honor Flight program. It takes veterans, at no cost to them, to Washington, D.C. to visit the memorials, statues and sculptures that have been erected to show the world the sacrifices our military has made. But as the years unfold, and once young Vietnam veterans enter their senior years, some are not strong enough to take the flights, or don’t care to take them. But thanks to the people at Honor Flight, those individuals can be saluted while not leaving Nevada. It’s Called Honor Flight Vietnam Remembrance.  

Belinda Morse, the director of Honor Flight Southern Nevada, helped devise the remembrance program for those who are unable to make the airplane visits, for any number of reasons. Some are not well enough to fly, some can’t take the time, and some just don’t care to fly. “The majority of those who will be honored are Vietnam veterans,” she said. “But we also have a few World War II and Korean War veterans.” 

The land-bound event is scheduled for March 29, at the Pass Casino in Henderson. “We read out loud about each veteran’s service and give them special lapel pins. We also have an honor guard and a guest speaker.” Last time President Trump provided a proclamation, and Morse is hopeful that will occur again this year from President Biden. Also last year, Henderson’s Mayor made an appearance, and she is invited to attend again.  

Veterans who want to sign up for the event can still do so Morse said. “We work with veterans in Las Vegas, Henderson, Boulder City, Tonopah, Ely, Mesquite, Laughlin, Pahrump and everywhere in between.” Interested veterans may call (702) 749-5912 or fill out an application at https://honorflightsouthernnevada.org/.  

Veterans can each bring one guest. (Veterans interested taking an actual flight this year can also apply. The fly dates are April 29 – May 1, 2022). The Honor Flight group is fully nonprofit. Morse explained that this year, Pass Casino Owner Joseph DeSimone is providing use of the casino and meals at no cost to the organization. “It’s all at no cost to us. It’s awesome!” Morse exclaimed. 

National Vietnam War Veterans Day designates March 29 of each year as Vietnam War Veterans Day. It was chosen as a day of recognition because on March 29, 1973, Military Assistance Command, Vietnam (MACV) was disbanded, and the last U.S. combat troops departed Vietnam. The Commemoration uses the term “Vietnam veteran" to describe those who served on active-duty in the U.S. Armed Forces at any time during the period of November 1, 1955, to May 15, 1975, irrespective of duty location. The phrase “Vietnam-era veteran” is not used. Although not a federal holiday, the day is set aside to recognize the sacrifices made by veterans and their families during the Vietnam War. It is also designed to honor the men and women who served in that conflict but who did not receive a proper welcome home when they returned to the United States due to the unpopularity of the war. 

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