CITY OF TURLOCK
144 S. Broadway
Turlock, CA 95380
Phone (209) 668-5594
www.turlock.ca.us
Press Release
March 17, 2017
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Contact: Karen Packwood, Supervisor
[email protected], (209) 668-5594
For Immediate Release
Yellow Ribbons to Commemorate Vietnam Veterans Day
Mayor and City to Honor those who served
Tying distinctive yellow ribbons around the historic war cannon in Central Park will be a focus of the
2017 Vietnam Veterans Day ceremony in Turlock. Mayor Gary Soiseth and the City of Turlock are
hosting the 10:00 am event on Wednesday, March 29, 2017 to honor our local Vietnam Veterans.
Vietnam veterans and the community are invited to attend and participate in this second annual
commemoration. Vietnam Veterans Day began in 2012 with a Presidential proclamation which sought
to have the Nation stand to honor the service and legacy of Vietnam Veterans on the 50 th anniversary
of the end of the conflict.
In June 2016, the City of Turlock joined more than 10,000 organizations who have become official
Vietnam Commemorative Partners. Commemorative Partners are local, state and national
organizations, businesses, sports franchises and governmental agencies that have committed to
hosting two hometown centered events and activities for at least three years, to thank and honor
Vietnam veterans, including unreturned veterans, and their families on behalf of the nation.
"I'm honored to partner with our local veterans organizations to pay honor and tribute to these heroes
of the Vietnam War," commented Mayor Gary Soiseth. “I hope the Turlock community will join me at
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the cannon to tie a yellow ribbon on the fence to show our veterans how much our city is grateful for
their service to our country.”
According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, nine million Americans served on active duty in the
U.S. Armed Forces during the period of the Vietnam War; approximately seven million are still living
today. To reach these large numbers, the Vietnam Commemoration effort has enlisted the assistance
of many thousands of Commemorative Partner organizations, like Turlock, to conduct hometown
centered events and activities that thank and honor Vietnam veterans and their families in their local
communities.
On March 29th, 1973 the last American troops were withdrawn from South Vietnam, thus ending the
longest war in our country’s history. During this time, thousands of brave Americans served our
country in this conflict with courage, honor, and valor. More than 58,000 individuals made the
ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam and more than 300,000 more were wounded in combat.
The Vietnams Veterans Day commemoration is to recognize this chapter in our nation’s history that
must never be forgotten and renew our commitment to those who answered the call to the armed
forces.
(Insert quote from Veteran)
The 2008 National Defense Authorization Act (Public Law 110-181 § 598) empowers the Secretary of
Defense to conduct a program on behalf of the nation that commemorates the 50th anniversary of the
Vietnam War. This law also authorizes the Secretary to coordinate, support and facilitate federal, state
and local government commemorative programs and activities. To that end, “The United States of
America Vietnam War Commemoration” was formed.
The City of Turlock is forever thankful to our Vietnam Veterans for their unwavering strength and
courage while fighting in the Vietnam War.
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