By Kay S. Pedrotti The many area veterans of the Vietnam War who came home to an ungrateful nation will now be honored at a special event on April 18 in Thomaston. Ryan Christopher, an organizer, said the event is ‘to be held for all of our area Vietnam veterans, not just one county or one city.’ A parade with motorcycle groups, area churches, the Fort Benning Army Band, ROTC units and other participants starts at 4 p.m. at Matthews Field, will go through downtown Thomaston and end back at the field, where an honor ceremony is planned and evangelist Tim Lee will speak. Lee lost both legs in the Vietnam conflict and is well-known as an evangelical speaker. Originating in ideas discussed at a meeting at Mountain View Baptist Church, the event has continued to grow. Christopher, who is on the church staff, does not expect the growth to stop, judging by the response from the area so far. Dr. Rex King, Mountain View pastor, and Vietnam veteran Emory Morris have been important in planning and support, said Christopher. All denominations are invited to take part with attendance or a part in the parade ‘carrying Vietnam veterans on their floats, or whatever their congregations would like to do,’ he said. Traveling Wall During April 1-5, the traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall will be at Matthews Field, Christopher said. Because of prior commitments, the Wall could not be present on the April 18 date. ‘We’ll be handing out invitations to the honor ceremony to everyone who comes to see the Wall,’Christopher added. Many businesses have joined with churches to help sponsor the events. Christopher credited Steve Laughman with the Centennial Association of Churches as ‘instrumental in helping us get the word out to as many churches as possible to get them on board.’ He concluded, ‘This is just one of those times when we felt God was telling us to do something because this particular group of veterans was not appreciated when they came home. Many still suffer from effects of that conflict. We want to let them know they are loved, respected and honored.’
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