“It was an awesome display of pride and patriotism by the entire community,” said Town of Camp Verde Mayor Dee Jenkins.
“This has been so inspiring and makes me so proud to be an American,” said Camp Verde resident Sandra Allen. “Watching the parade as the American Veterans Traveling Tribute (AVTT) came into town was so emotional. There was a group of motorcycle escorts that rode along and people got out of their cars and put their hands over their hearts. Kids from the school nearby were on both sides of the road waving paper flags they made. It moved me to tears. I love the fact that we are coming together now 50 years later and honoring those who served.”
Hosted by Arizona State Parks and Trails, the Town of Camp Verde and the Yavapai-Apache Nation, the tribute featured the Traveling Vietnam Wall and Cost of Freedom Tribute to honor, respect and remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Components of the event included recognition and remembrance ceremonies, a flyover tribute, 13 folds of the American Flag demonstrations, United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Arizona Band, Verde Valley American Legion Riders (ALR), Benedictions from local churches and a full day of Native American Vietnam Veterans Recognitions Day that included singers and dancers.
A ceremony and lasting tribute of respect to departed comrade Conrad Ernest Lewis, the father of Yavapai-Apache Chairwoman Tanya Lewis, also took place.
The AVTT was on display throughout the event and included a room with computers set up to locate names on the wall. The facility was open 24 hours a day and guarded by Arizona Rangers and veterans.
Wreaths Across America, which coordinates wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery each December, attended with a mobile display.
“I’m very honored to be here to honor the people on that wall,” said Las Vegas Veteran Blayne Stowasser, who came with two veteran friends. “We were stationed at Holloman Air Force Base and served in different locations overseas. We became friends and kept in touch with each other over the years.”
Jerry “Geronimo” Martin, the great-great-grandson of the legendary Geronimo and Vietnam Veteran, was the emcee for the event. “It was my duty to go wherever the fight was rather than have the fight here on our own soil. I made it a privilege to volunteer and go,” said Martin, who told candid stories of his military life and, specifically, his assignment on the Ho Chi Minh Trail.
“Every person who has come here and met a veteran and heard their story is leaving with a whole different perspective of the Vietnam War,” said Fort Verde Historic Park Manager Sheila Stubler. “People have been moved and I think there’s a lot of people here whose lives have been changed. I met one veteran who lost 27 comrades. He said for 50 years he carried that pain and was able to let it go. He said it’s time for closure.”
The U.S. Vietnam War Commemoration Deputy Director Tres C. Smith came from Washington, D.C., for the tribute. “I talked to Sheila about what we could do to support and help her. We actually participate in the local communities and local ceremonies. It just means so much more because people know the veterans, people have the experience. To be in the neighborhoods and communities that were impacted by the veterans is so much more important and powerful.” Smith is a veteran himself and served in both Iraq and Afghanistan wars.
Former Military Air Transport (MATS) flight attendant and Camp Verde resident Carolanne Moore worked 10 years for Trans International Airlines (TIA), a contractor to the government. “We flew new soldiers over to the war zone into the main part of Saigon and flew others back home. I remember the day the Viet Cong attacked the American embassy. We were scared but our pilots were veteran pilots who had flown in other wars and I trusted them, and I trusted in the Lord so I knew we were going to be OK.”
“It was an awesome display of pride and patriotism by the entire community,” said Town of Camp Verde Mayor Dee Jenkins. “To recognize and thank those that fought and returned and those that gave their lives for our nation and for all of us that are blessed to live in the United States of America, it was truly an honor to be among heroes and say, ‘Thank you. Welcome home.’”
Several sponsors such as American Legion Riders, Sedona Area Veteran and Community Outreach, Town of Camp Verde, Yavapai Apache Nation, Town of Clarkdale, City of Sedona, City of Cottonwood, American Legions Post 93, 125 and several businesses helped support the event. QCBN
By V. Ronnie Tierney, QCBN
Photo by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography: U.S. Vietnam War Commemoration Deputy Director Tres C. Smith, former Military Air Transport (MATS) flight attendant and Camp Verde resident Carolanne Moore, veteran Jerry “Geronimo” Martin and his dog, Samson, pause before the Cost of Freedom Tribute.
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