News Staff Report
In years past, the Atmore VFW Auxiliary has held ceremonies to honor Vietnam veterans, however, due to the pandemic, those ceremonies have been suspended. At the Monday, March 14, Atmore City Council meeting, Auxiliary member Jenny Hutto said the organization hopes to continue the ceremony next year.
Despite no public ceremony, the Auxiliary and Mayor Jim Staff encourage the public to observe a day and week set aside to honor Vietnam veterans as presented in the following proclamation Mayor Staff read at the city council meeting.
WHEREAS, every March 29, Vietnam Veterans Day is set aside as a day for Americans to honor the courage and sacrifice of those who served in the Vietnam War.
WHEREAS, the Vietnam War is a story of service members of different backgrounds, colors, and creeds who came together to complete a daunting mission. It is a story of Americans from every corner of our Nation who left the warmth of family to serve the country they loved. It is a story of patriots who braved the line of fire, who cast themselves into harm’s way to save a friend, who fought hour after hour, day after day to preserve the liberties we hold dear. From Ia Drang to Hue, they won every major battle of the war and upheld the highest traditions of our Armed Forces.
WHEREAS, Thousands returned home bearing shrapnel and scars; still more were burdened by the invisible wounds of post-traumatic stress, of Agent Orange, of memories that would never fade. Our veterans answered our country’s call and served with honor; yet, in one of the war’s most profound tragedies, many of these men and women came home to be shunned or neglected — to face treatment unbefitting their courage and a welcome unworthy of their example. We must never let this happen again.
WHEREAS, today, we reaffirm one of our most fundamental obligations: to show all who have worn the uniform of the United States the respect and dignity they deserve, and to honor their sacrifice by serving them as well as they served us. The City of Atmore declares the week of Sunday, March 27, 2022 – Saturday, April 2, 2022 as Vietnam Veterans Week.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Jim Staff, Mayor of the City of Atmore, County of Escambia, State of Alabama, by virtue of the authority vested in me under the Municipal laws of the State of Alabama do hereby proclaim the week of March 27, 2022 through April 2, 2022, as Vietnam Veterans Week in the City of Atmore.
I call upon all citizens of Atmore and surrounding communities and businesses to honor Vietnam Veterans throughout the week by displaying yellow ribbons on their doors, mailboxes, trees, etc. and recognizing Vietnam Veterans in other honorable ways and methods that comply with the current quarantine and social distancing requirements.