Slater ceremony honors Vietnam vets

Brandon Bingaman holds up one corner of Charlie Guthrie's giant American flag Saturday, Sept. 15, near the conclusion of the ceremony in downtown Slater honoring Vietnam War veterans. As the flag was presented the public address system played the Lee Greenwood song, "Proud to be an American."
(Eric Crump/Democrat-News)

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Hundreds of friends, family and well-wishers congregated on Main Street in Slater just in front of Veterans Park to honor Vietnam veterans Saturday, Sept. 15.

More than 70 veterans or family members representing them were presented with medallions and certificates commemorating their service to the country.

Betsy Yowell receives a medallion for her son, John Yowell, who couldn't attend the ceremony, from Brig. Gen. Larry Kay.
(Eric Crump/Democrat-News)

[Click to enlarge]

"What they did to you will live in infamy in the history of our country," said Tony Gallagher, master of ceremonies for the event, referring to a general lack of respect and attention accorded Vietnam veterans returning from that war.

Slater Mayor Stephen Allegri noted that the disdain shown some veterans was not a universal thing.

"In Slater, we have always held in high esteem our veterans no matter what war they fought in," he said, and referred to the park behind him as evidence.

He also said he hoped the country had learned from the experience "not to confuse the protesting of the war with the soldiers who fought it."

Allegri then asked the crowd to "welcome the heroes of my generation."

Circuit Judge Dennis Roth agreed that the poor reception Vietnam veterans received was a dark period in the nation's history.

"It has taken America a long time to properly say 'thank you' for your service," he said.

State Rep. Joe Aull echoed the hope that a lesson had been learned and said the nation has a chance to demonstrate that as soldiers return from current wars.

"I hope we treat them like heroes when they come home," he said. "Maybe you Vietnam veterans will lead that charge."

Other speakers and participants in the event included Buddy Meyer; Wellington Gorham Jr.; Ron Monnig; Harry Lightfoot; Shyanne Sellers, who sang the national anthem; James Kay, who played "Amazing Grace" on bagpipes during the POW/MIA recognition part of the ceremony; Lowell Moore; and Pat Kerr, representing the Missouri Veterans Commission.

The event opened with a motorcycle procession by American Legion Post 131, the "Legion Riders."

Event organizer and veteran Charlie Guthrie was given kudos by several speakers, including Aull.

"If David Letterman had a Top Ten List for people who honor veterans, Charlie Guthrie would be on that list," he said.

Editor's note: A list of veterans honored at the ceremony will be published later this week. Also, check our Web site for a gallery of additional photos of the event.

Contact Eric Crump at

marshalleditor@socket.net