3rd Annual Welcome Home
Vietnam Veterans Day Celebration:
Warriors Remembered
Please join us for the 3rd Annual Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day Celebration. The theme of this year's program is "Warriors Remembered." A special event has been planned to honor our Vietnam Veterans, thank them for their service, and provide them with a long overdue Welcome Home.
This year’s celebration features a dynamic list of speakers, including Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh, Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary George W. Owings III and Army Sgt. Major Rodwell L. Forbes, Fort George G. Meade’s former Garrison Command Sergeant Major. This is the third year the State of Maryland will celebrate the commemorative day. Last year, at the request of Hospice of the Chesapeake, legislation was introduced by state Sen. John Astle, D-Annapolis and was the first bill signed into law by Gov. Larry Hogan. March 30 was chosen because it was the day in 1973 when the last troops were withdrawn from Vietnam.
Here is the schedule of events for the evening:
- 4:00 PM Doors open for an opportunity to meet and greet fellow Vietnam Veterans
- 5:00 PM Hors d’oeuvres and beverages available until Program begins (Cash bar)
- 6:00 PM Please find your seats
- 6:30 PM Program begins
- 8:00 PM Program concludes
Order of program
Call to Order Retired Army Col. Bert Rice
Presentation of the Colors VVA Chapter 451 Honor Guard
“The Star-Spangled Banner” Donna Stewart-Moore
Pledge of Allegiance and Welcome Retired Army Col. Bert Rice
Invocation Lou Reymann
Retire the Colors VVA Chapter 451 Honor Guard
Hospice of the Chesapeake Ben Marcantonio, President & CEO
State of Maryland Secretary George W. Owings III
United States of America Retired Army Maj. Gen. James T. Jackson
“America the Beautiful” Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling Gospel Choir
Community Baltimore Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh
Honor Salute and Moment of Silence Fort George G. Meade CSM Brian S. Cullen
“Battle Hymn of the Republic“ Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling Gospel Choir
United States Military Army Sgt. Maj. Rodwell L. Forbes
“God Bless the USA” Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling Gospel Choir
Closing Comments Retired Army Col. Bert Rice
FAQs
Are tickets required for this event?
Yes, tickets are required for all guests. Tickets are free for all Vietnam Veterans and one guest of each Vietnam Veteran, as well as for two family members of deceased Vietnam Veterans. Tickets for additional guests and community members are $30 (plus Eventbrite fee). For tickets, click here, or contact Nicole Malatesta at 443-837-1513; veterans@hospicechesapeake.org
What is the dress for the event?
Veterans are invited to wear their uniforms, if possible. If not, Vietnam Veterans are welcome to wear clothing and gear that identifies them as a Vietnam Veteran. Otherwise, dress for the event is patriotic casual.
How can I contact Hospice of the Chesapeake with any questions?
Contact Nicole Malatesta at 443.837.1513 or veterans@hospicechesapeake.org
Location: Martin's Crosswinds, 7400 Greenway Center Drive, Greenbelt, MD 20770