El Toyon Chapter, Stockton, CA, held a 50th Anniversary Vietnam War Commemoration on Saturday, November 3, 2018 to honor and thank Vietnam War Veterans for their service to our nation. Marilyn Reineman, Chapter Regent, opened the meeting with a warm welcome. Rev. Jonathan Merica delivered the invocation and VFW Luneta Post 53 Color Guard posted the colors. The event, attended by 200+ guests, was a joint meeting with the Sons of the American Revolution, Delta Chapter. John Humphrey, SAR Chapter President, brought greetings. Susan Broderick, State Vice Regent, brought greetings on behalf of CSSDAR. Linda Winthers, State Librarian, also attended. Marsha Merica, First Vice Regent, welcomed the veterans and introduced guest speaker, Colonel Robert Elliott, U S Army, Retired, and current San Joaquin County Supervisor.

Eighty-six Vietnam War Veterans from San Joaquin County or their representatives received a certificate from El Toyon Chapter and a bronze Vietnam Veteran lapel pin from the Department of Defense. Colonel Elliott assisted in pinning the veterans as their names were read aloud, along with Donna Wallis and Brenda Sieglock, Past Regents. A bagpipe tribute in memory of those Missing in Action and Fallen in Battle was played by Randy Erickson. In keeping with the military ceremony, the Armed Forces Salute was played on the trumpet by Kayla VanderHelm. Following the service, veterans’ pictures were taken beside their military flags and refreshments were served. Many veterans expressed that after 50 years, they truly felt thanked and honored for their service.