The 10th Annual Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Day Celebration was held Saturday, March 25 at the American Legion Harold Kerr Post #173. Danny Woodard was this year’s honoree.
Mayor Ben Stahler gave an opening remark. He gave thanks and gratitude to the men and women of Logan County who joined in the war efforts to protect citizens’ freedoms. He gave a signed copy of the letter to Woodard as a token of appreciation.
A Belle Center native, Woodard served in the U.S. Army from 1966-1969. He was discharged with the rank of E-5 and served with the 1st Aircraft Maintenance Battalion with the Third Army. He completed two tours of Vietnam and he served as Crew Chief his entire time of service. His major responsibilities consisted of maintaining the shifts for himself and his fellow crew.
A poem was then shared to reflect on all veterans of the Vietnam War.
Greg Titus, a Bellefontaine native, joined the U.S. Air Force in 1982. He has been awarded numerous U.S. Air Force medals for his time of service.
As a surprise, Titus presented Woodard with his medals that were lost and reissued by the government. He was also presented an American Flag that was flown at The United States Capitol, The Ohio Statehouse, and The Logan County Courthouse.
Woodard was humbled to receive his medals and flag and be honored as this year’s recipient.
Mayor Ben Stahler explains the Annual Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Day and the ceremony held honoring Danny Woodard:
March 29, 1973, is the day the U.S. Military Assistance Command in Vietnam was disestablished and the last day the last U.S. combat troops departed Vietnam. As a result of remembrance, March 29 is designated as National Vietnam War Veterans Day. This is a time to pay special tribute to the 9 million Americans who served during the Vietnam War era and those that never received the recognition they deserved and then returned to America from the war.
In 2012, former President Barack Obama signed a presidential proclamation designating March 29 as the annual observance of Vietnam War Veterans Day.
