Area Vietnam veterans to be honored in Slater Sept. 15; applications for special medallion still being accepted

Kay

As many as 55 Vietnam War veterans or surviving family members will be honored Saturday, Sept. 15, in Slater at the Veterans Park on Main Street.

Charlie Guthrie, who is coordinating the local ceremony, said the statewide program is overseen by the Missouri adjutant general's office.

Each qualified veteran or designated family member will receive a medallion in recognition of their service.

Brig. Gen. Larry Kay, assistant adjutant of the Missouri Army National Guard, will be the main speaker at the ceremony, Guthrie said. Kay recently spoke during the dedication service at Salem United Church of Christ in rural Arrow Rock.

In addition to Kay, Slater Mayor Stephen Allegri, Circuit Court Judge Dennis Rolf and state Rep. Joe Aull are slated to offer remarks.

Pat Kerr, of the Missouri Veterans Commission, is also expected to attend, according to Guthrie.

The ceremony is open to the public and anyone who wishes to pay their respects and show support for Vietnam veterans is welcome to attend, Guthrie said.

There will be a reception with cake, coffee and tea at the Grapevine in Slater following the ceremony.

Guthrie said it's not too late for interested veterans to apply for the medallion and participate in the Slater ceremony, but the deadline for applications to be submitted is Wednesday, Sept. 5.

The application form can be obtained from Guthrie or on the Web at http://www.moguard.com/ww2awards/Vietnam....

For more information, call (660) 529-3150 or (660) 529-2420.

On the Net:

http://tinyurl.com/2kqhfu

Contact Eric Crump at

marshalleditor@socket.net