On March 28, 2024, the annual Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Day “Welcome Home” ceremony will take place at the TAPS Monument in Green Cove Springs. Scheduled to begin at 10 a.m., the event is expected to draw over 400 attendees who will gather to honor those who served during the Vietnam War.
Commemorating Service and Sacrifice
This marks the sixth year of the “Welcome Home” ceremony, organized by the TAPS of Veterans Memorial of Clay County. The event enjoys the backing of local leaders from the county and city, as well as community organizations. All Vietnam veterans, their families, and supporters are invited to attend, where they will have the opportunity to receive 50th Commemorative lapel pins and certificates. These items will be distributed by the Daughters of the American Revolution, who have collaborated with the Vietnam Veterans of America to facilitate this recognition.
The ceremony will feature Jeanie Jacobs Huffman, a daughter of a missing Vietnam veteran, as the guest speaker. Huffman represents Mission: POW-MIA, an organization dedicated to addressing the uncertainty faced by families of missing military personnel. Currently, there are 1,566 individuals unaccounted for from the Vietnam War. The TAPS monument honors the names of 66 Clay County Fallen Warriors, including 21 Vietnam War veterans.
A Full Day of Remembrance and Celebration
As part of the ceremony, the names of those Killed in Action (KIA) will be read aloud, followed by a toll of the bell. Navy Master Chief Mack Ellis (retired) is set to perform a rendition of “Old Glory,” while a Navy band will entertain arriving guests. Additionally, musician Craig Seaton will lead a sing-along medley during the event.
Motorcycle groups such as Patriot Guard and Rolling Thunder will participate in a ride into the ceremony, enhancing the sense of community and support. Attendees can also look forward to an old car display and presentations from the Military Museum of North Florida and Camp Blanding.
In a spirit of giving, participants are encouraged to bring canned goods to support the Food Pantry of Green Cove Springs. The National Vietnam War Veterans Day, observed on March 29, pays tribute to the U.S. military members who served in Vietnam from 1955 to 1975. During this period, approximately 2.6 million military personnel served in South Vietnam between January 1, 1965, and March 28, 1973, with an additional 50,000 serving from 1960 to 1964. Overall, more than nine million served on active duty during the Vietnam Era, which spanned from August 5, 1965, to May 7, 1975. The conflict resulted in over 58,000 U.S. military casualties.
For further details about the ceremony, interested parties can contact (904) 269-1857.
