News / Military
The Tampa Congresswoman wants to heal long-ago wounds
By Howard Altman / Tampa Bay Times / April 12, 2019
PHOTO: A unit of the 1st Battalion, 5th Regiment U.S. Marines, rests alongside a battered wall of Hue’s imperial palace after a battle for the Citadel in February 1968, during the Tet Offensive. The Marines reported heavy casualties in street fighting in the ancient capital city of Vietnam. (AP Photo)
TAMPA — U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor will host an event honoring Vietnam War veterans on April 23.
Scheduled for 11 a.m. at American Legion Post 5, 3810 Kennedy Blvd., the event is part of the ongoing 50th anniversary commemoration of the war. It serves as a way to honor veterans who were often treated poorly after arriving back home from Southeast Asia.
Eligible Vietnam-era veterans will receive a Service Lapel Pin during the ceremony.
“Many veterans who served during the Vietnam War era were not welcomed home with parades and thanks because of the political division at the time,” Castor said in a statement to the Tampa Bay Times. “No matter our beliefs about the war, it is past time to rectify this and honor those who answered the call of their country.”
Vietnam War veterans who served from 1955 through 1975 may sign up in advance of the commemoration at castor.house.gov or by calling (813) 871-2817.
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