General Raines
Mayor Coppinger
Vietnam veterans
On Wednesday, Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger and the members of the Hamilton County Commission honored the Vietnam veterans. March 29, by Congressional mandate, is recognized as Vietnam Veterans Appreciation Day.
Mayor Coppinger acknowledged the debt of gratitude owed to each Vietnam veterans and noted that their recognition of service and sacrifice was long overdue. In commenting on the political chaos of the Vietnam era, the mayor reminded the audience that “it is important to honor the men and women who survived and the over 58,000 men and women who gave their lives, including the 152 men from this region who died in service to their nation in the Republic of South Vietnam.” He added, “that citizens of Hamilton County, Tennessee must never forget the pain and suffering that lingers today for the men and women who fought with honor and distinction, in the name of freedom and democracy for all.”
Major General Bill Raines, U. S. Army, Retired responded to the mayor’s remarks by acknowledging that homecoming for the Vietnam veterans was not the homecoming their fathers and uncles had received following World War II and, that for over 50 years, many had silently carried their pain and grief. In an emotional final comment, General Raines added that the recognition conferred Wednesday by the mayor and commissioners was a major step toward that healing.
Vietnam Veterans Appreciation Week commemorations will conclude Wednesday evening with a Memorial Service at the Chattanooga National Cemetery at 6 pm. The public is invited.