Information provided by the VA Public Affairs Office:
Today at 2 p.m. at the VA Medical Center, 222 Richmond Ave., Batavia, there will be a Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemoration. It will take place in the auditorium of Building #4.
The guest speaker will be Mr. Vincent Schollard, who served two tours of duty in Vietnam (1966-68) as a Navy Corpsman. Vietnam Veterans and their families are encouraged to attend to share camaraderie. Refreshments will be served afterward.
VA Western New York Healthcare System is a Federal commemorative partner for The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration. One of the main objectives of these events is to give a long overdue thanks to honor Vietnam Veterans and their families, including personnel who were held prisoners of war or listed as missing in action.
The Commemoration will pay tribute to their service and sacrifice on behalf of the United States. Additionally, it will mark advances in technology, science and medicine related to the military research conducted during the Vietnam War. Lastly, the often overlooked contributions and sacrifices made by our allies will be recognized.
To fulfill President’s Lincoln’s mission to our Veterans and their families "To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan,” after each commemoration several VA representatives will be on hand and ready to provide information and answers to questions about VA health care enrollment and other Veterans benefits to include disability claims, employment and educational opportunities, and National Cemetery internment. Many Veterans are still unaware of VA benefits they have earned or may be in need of updated information to qualify and use these benefits.
Here's the lineup of the event in Batavia:
Invocation -- Father Ivan Trujillo, VA Western NY Healtchcare System
Presentation of Colors -- Joint Veterans Honor Guard of Genesee County
"Star-spangled Banner" -- St. Joe's Brass Ensemble of Batavia
Pledge of Allegiance
Welcome -- Brian Stiller, Medical Director, VA Western NY Healtchcare System
Keynote Address -- Vincent Schollard, former Navy Corpsman
Musical Tribute -- St. Joe's Brass Ensemble of Batavia
Vietnam Veterans Pin Presentation
Echo Taps -- Frank Panepento & Tom Cecere
Benediction -- Father Ivan Trujillo
For additional information please contact the VA Public Affairs Office at (716) 862-8753/8754.