“After 50 years, it’s long overdue. And I want to say THANK YOU to our Vietnam Veterans, the sacrifices that they made to keep our country free; and I want to thank their families for the sacrifices that they made as well.”
State Representative Adam Niemerg (R-Dieterich) spoke at a tribute ceremony for Vietnam Veterans of America at Georgetown–Ridge Farm High School Gymnasium on Saturday. Joining the Adjutant General of Illinois, Major General Rodney C. Boyd, and several over elected officials, Rep. Niemerg honored 170 veterans from the Vietnam conflict that ended fifty years ago in 1975.
Reportedly an idea from the Georgetown–Ridge Farm Men’s Club, the tribute included a parade through town and then a packed house tribute at the high school gymnasium. The gym floor was filled with living Vietnam Veterans on one side who were recognized one-by-one. The other side of the gym floor was filled with family members of deceased Vietnam Veterans. They, too, were each recognized individually. The stands were packed with residents showing their appreciation, and the Georgetown-Ridge Farm High School Band was on stage to play the service songs and National Anthem for the program.
