Local veterans honored for National Vietnam War Veterans Day

ZANESVILLE, Ohio- Last year President Trump declared March 29th as Vietnam Veterans Day. Thursday, Vietnam vets across the country were honored for their service.

The Muskingum Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution hosted a morning of appreciation here at home for Vietnam vets in the area. Dozens of vets filled the American Legion where they were recognized along with their fellow service members that never made it home.

“We always celebrate Veterans Day, but since the Vietnam veterans didn’t receive their due when they came home,” said Mary Ann Devolld, member of the Muskingum Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution. “So many of them came home and their stories are kind of hard to listen to because of the way they were treated – not all – but many of them. We want to make sure that they always feel that we appreciate what they did.”

Mayor Jeff Tilton and all three of the County Commissioners were in attendance. Senator Troy Balderson also spoke to the vets. DeVolld said she doesn’t want the Vietnam vets stories to fade into history so she’s working to help preserve their memories.

“One of the things I’m trying to do as part of our chapter is write their stories. Some of them are hesitant to talk  about Vietnam because it’s still painful,” said DeVolld. “Even after 50 years. But we want to have a legacy for them.”

The vets were able to enjoy coffee, juice, and doughnuts as they spent time with one another. The Daughters of the American Revolution plan on doing this event again next year.