Published April 04. 2024 05:26PM
by Jim Marsh Special to The Press
More than 100 Vietnam War veterans and other military personnel gathered at Mission BBQ along Grape Street in Whitehall March 29, to commemorate the pullout of the last combat troops 51 years ago in Vietnam - and to get a free BBQ sandwich from the folks at Mission.
That’s just one of those things that Mission BBQ does to support military veterans and area first responders.
There were a lot of American flags and veterans with vests and denim jackets covered with patches proclaiming their patriotism. An honor guard from American Legion Post 379, in Bethlehem, stood at attention in full dress uniforms for the national anthem and fired a volley of rifle shots as a bugler sounded taps.
Congress passed the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017 and set March 29 as the day for veterans to commemorate the last combat soldiers to leave Vietnam and perhaps to try and compensate for the shabby welcome home many veterans received from a divided populace in that era.
Asked why he does what he does for ceremonies of this sort, a member of the honor guard said, “It’s the least we can do; these veterans deserve our thanks and our respect.”
Press Photos by Jim Marsh Honor guard members from American Legion Post 379, in Bethlehem, stand in “present arms” stance as the national anthem is played at Mission BBQ, 1421 Grape St., Whitehall, for a ceremony March 29 commemorating the 1973 pullout of the last combat troops from Vietnam. Additional photos appear on Page A16.
Military service veterans salute during the playing of “The Star Spangled Banner” as they wait in line for a free sandwich at Mission BBQ, along Grape Street, in Whitehall at a ceremony March 29 commemorating the pullout of the last combat troops from Vietnam 51 years ago.
PRESS PHOTOS BY JIM MARSH Having just fired a rifle volley, the honor guard from American Legion Post 379, Bethlehem, stands at attention as a bugler plays taps to conclude a ceremony March 29 at Mission BBQ in Whitehall commemorating the exit of the last combat troops from Vietnam in 1973.
Bearing American flags, military service veterans salute as a bugler plays taps at a ceremony commemorating the final pullout of combat troops in 1973.
A Vietnam War veteran wearing a “POW/MIA” sweatshirt orders his free sandwich at Mission BBQ, Grape Street, Whitehall, following a ceremony marking the 51st anniversary of the pullout of the last combat troops from Vietnam in 1973.
