Gilchrist to Host Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day Celebration 2023

Gilchrist to Host Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day Celebration

To give our Vietnam veterans the reception of gratitude that too many were denied during and shortly after the war, Gilchrist will host its annual Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day Celebration on Saturday, March 25, 2023.

This year’s event will feature a keynote address by Robert “Rocky” Bleier, who defied the medical odds by becoming an NFL superstar after suffering serious injuries while fighting in the Vietnam War as a member of the U.S. Army.

This celebration honors veterans in our care, throughout our region, and across our country.

Giving Thanks

In 2015, the state of Maryland created Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day, observed on March 30, to give thanks to veterans who were widely scorned and derided following their return from Vietnam in the 1960s and 70s.

Maryland’s official proclamation explains: “Members of the United States Armed Forces who served bravely and faithfully … during the Vietnam War were caught on their return home in the crossfire of an extremely divisive public debate about the involvement of the United States in the Vietnam War … .”

As a result, many were deprived of the public support and appreciation their patriotic service truly deserved.

This celebration is one of the many ways Gilchrist recognizes the unique needs of veterans and thanks them for their sacrifice and service to our country. Other veteran-focused offerings include:

• Salute to Service Tributes. Veteran volunteers host special ceremonies for seriously ill or dying veterans to show appreciation for all they’ve done for our country.
• Operation Gratitude. Veteran volunteers visit K-12 students to share stories about their service. In return, young people make cards of gratitude that Gilchrist distributes to veterans on various occasions.
• Veteran’s Day Celebrations. In 2022, Gilchrist’s volunteer team of military vets conducted 15 hour-long programs at 15 long-term care facilities throughout Central Maryland, all of them featuring patriotic stories, remembrances, and music for all residents.

For more information about Gilchrist’s “We Honor Veterans” program, please visit us here.

To take part in our 2023 Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day Celebration, which will be held at Martin’s West, starting at 8:30 a.m., click here to learn more and register.

Please join us as we honor those who have served in the United States Armed Forces.