Vietnam War Veterans invited to be honored at Courthouse on March 30th

The City of Benton and County Judge’s Office are partnering to honor local Vietnam War Veterans with a special ceremony and service on . American forces officially deactivated the Military Assistance Command-Vietnam (MACV) on March 29, 1973, which guided the US war effort since 1962. Saline County has over 10,000 registered veterans, according to Katie Davis Saline County Veterans Services Officer.

Two Quilt of Valor organizations will present memorial quilts to four Saline County Vietnam Veterans. There will be a moment of silence and a performance of “Taps,” along with  patriotic music and a special message to veterans. Veterans in attendance can get 50th anniversary pins.  Informational booths will be there to Veteran services and programs.

Before the event, representatives from Saline County and the City of Benton will be place 592 United States flags around the memorial in honor and remembrance of the 592 Arkansans who lost their lives in Vietnam. Special flags will be placed in honor of the ten Saline County residents who lost their lives in Vietnam. 

Saline County Veterans killed in action:

• Jerry Dale Cantrell Army 7/30/1969
• Douglas Joe Carpenter Army 3/25/1967
• Delmar Lee Crockett Jr. Army 2/18/1967
• Cario Fuller Army 4/9/1967
• John H Harding Army 10/8/1967
• Carl Wayne Hill Marine Corps 2/25/1969
• Thomas Lee Hoover Army 9/27/1967
• Gregory Keith Reeves Marine Corps 7/7/1968
• Dennis Truman Robbins Marine Corps 8/26/1968
• John Norman Wickliffe Army 8/3/1967

The holiday is normally observed on March 29th, but was moved to Thursday March 30th this year. Come to the Saline County Courthouse at 6:00 p.m. The ceremony will be at the Veterans Memorial at the southeast corner at Sevier and Main Streets. Vietnam veterans, family and friend, all other veterans, and the general public are invited. 

Veterans who would like to get more information about their benefits and services available may contact Katie Davis at (501) 303-5646 or [email protected]. Information is also available at www.salinecounty.org.