Plover Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10262 hosted its 5th annual Vietnam Veterans Day celebration at the Post Saturday, April 7, in honor of Vietnam veterans.

U.S. Rep. Ron Kind addresses Vietnam veterans and attendees at the Plover Vietnam Veterans celebration. He presented the Post with an American flag that had been flown over the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Vietnam Veterans Day Thursday, March 29.
(Contributed photo)

Veterans were greeted at the door and received commemorative ribbons, small metal plaques and thank you cards. On display were veterans’ service photos, a Vietnam map and a registry for veterans to sign and list the dates and locations of their deployments.

The veterans were recognized and honored by guest speakers, including Past Post Commander Rick Stevens, Wisconsin VFW State Commander John Schultz, 3rd District Congressman Ron Kind and 71st Assembly Rep. Katrina Shankland.

“Our Vietnam Veterans were treated quite poorly when they returned home,” said Kind, “and we need to continue to work to rectify that. Hate the war, don’t hate the warrior.”

Vietnam Veterans’ service photos, a Vietnam map and a registry were on display at the Plover Vietnam Veterans Celebration.
(Contributed photo)

A POW/MIA ceremony was conducted by members of the Plover VFW Auxiliary and Rifle Squad in remembrance of those still missing.

Veterans and families were treated to a dinner of chicken, beef and the trimmings followed by music and entertainment.

The event drew nearly 200 attendees from local and outlying communities.

Vietnam War Veterans Day, March 29, was recognized by Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump one year ago.

Attendees observe a moment of silence during the POW/MIA ceremony conducted by Plover VFW Auxiliary and Rifle Squad members Margaret Klitgaard-Mancel (left in white), Debbie Manthey (right in blue) and Rifle Squad Commander Guy Mockler (saluting). Behind, from left are U.S. Rep. Ron Kind, members of Stevens Point Boy Scout Troop 297 and Vietnam veterans.
(Contributed photo)

Vietnam Veterans received commemorative black ribbons, a metal plaque and thank you cards at the Plover Vietnam Veterans Celebration.
(Contributed photo)