Cahuilla Chapter partnered with the Department of Defense’s program commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War to create an outstanding (sometimes heartrending) event honoring over 100 Vietnam vets.

The event took place at the Palm Springs Air Museum on Sunday, February 26, 2017 beginning with the Posting of Colors by the Desert Hot Springs High School JROTC. Co-chair and Past Regent, Peg Ellington introduced Palm Springs Mayor Robert Moon, Commander, U.S. Navy (Ret.) who said “The Vietnam Veterans returned home to denigration instead of appreciation for their service.” He then went on to say how pleased he was to be a part of this celebration honoring the service and sacrifice of the Vietnam Veterans.

Speaker Col., U. S. Army (Ret) Jose Ramos from the Dept. of Defense, Vietnam War Commemoration project, Washington D. C. is a 1985 graduate of West Point mentioned that his wife is a DAR member, whose ancestor was Revolutionary General Nathanael Greene. Ramos also referred to the memorial wall in Washington D. C. saying the average age of those who gave their lives in that war was 23 years.

Each veteran was individually honored as the Palm Springs High School Band played an Armed Forces Medley. Veterans from the Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force were individually recognized and pinned by members of Cahuilla Chapter.

The event concluded as the entire audience stood and sang “God Bless America”.