The Grace Lutheran Church of Oak Ridge’s Veterans’ Ministry has partnered with Vet to Vet Tennessee to assist in identifying Vietnam Era veterans, spouses of those veterans no longer living but not killed in action, civilians who served the United States during the Vietnam War, or those who served in the military from November 1, 1955, to May 15, 1975. Spouses whose husbands were killed or missing in action are also included in that number.
“Grace would like to honor those in Oak Ridge and surrounding areas who are eligible at a service of reconciliation and healing, where Vet to Vet Tennessee Vietnam veterans will present them with a special service pin or spouse pin and a proclamation from the president of the United States,” a press release said.
The effort is part of the U.S. Department of Defense’s 50th Anniversary Vietnam War Commemoration, which was authorized by Congress and launched by the President in May 2012. The goal is to thank Vietnam Veterans for their service and to welcome them home, the press release said.
According to the 2008 National Defense Authorization Act, Sec. 598 (as printed in Commemoration literature), the Commemoration was enacted to “highlight the service of the country’s Armed Forces and the work of federal agencies, governmental and non-governmental organizations during the Vietnam War”; “to pay tribute to wartime contributions “of citizens stateside and recognize contributions by Allies; and to note advances made in medicine, technology, and science during the Vietnam Era.
Grace Lutheran Church is a designated Veteran Friendly Congregation, and welcomes all veterans, the press release said. If you’re a veteran in need of assistance through the church’s ministries or in identifying community resources, call the church office at (865) 483-3787.
For more information or to identify you or a family member, email Sharon Boudreaux at prvol1@icloud.com.
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