| March 29th, 2010 we celebrate the 2nd Annual Vietnam Veterans Day, a time set aside for the Vietnam Veterans to recapture some of the "HONOR" they received serving in Vietnam, Coming home from Vietnam was met with much opposition as to cause the Veterans to put away their uniforms and hide what they did. Now some 40 years later they are asking you to help them claim the honor they deserve. ENTER 2010 Debbie Russo contacted some area business and explained what Vietnam Veterans Day means to the veterans from Vietnam and 4 of them rose to meet the occasion. On Monday some of the Veterans of Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 678 and their spouse's started what was to become an incredible day of meals, fellowship and gifts from area business's. First stop: PERKINS of Stroudsburg donated a Pancake Breakfast to all the Veterans. General Manager Michael Roberts joined in the celebration and made is special to the members, along the way he learned a little history of some of the members. |
| When trying to decide where to spend your meal bucks, please consider giving our host restaurants a try. The meals and service were top notch. |
| Second stop: POCONO BREWING COMPANY in Scotrun, Here the members had a choice of 4 different meals, all with portions that were so large it was hard to finish, Present was Carl Moritz and his son from MORITZ EMBROIDERY, members present were giving a very limited special Embroidered "Eagle" in a frame, Vietnam Veteran Ball Cap with our Chapter embroidered in the back of the cap and key fobs which also were embroidered. Sheriff Todd Martin attended and spoke to the group, we were very honored to have him there. Third Stop: TANNERSVILLE INN located in Tannersville .Finishes off the day, we had the back room all to ourselves with the largest turnout for the day, again we had the choice of several meals, all fit for a king. Members were greeted by a message from John Siptroth who is a Vietnam Era Veteran and a member of our organization. At every location the members received a gift complements of Debbie Russo. The night had one more surprise! A very special cake from |
| The Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 678, spent Vietnam Veterans Day being showered with free meals and gifts from local restaurants and area merchants. There was Breakfast at the Stroudsburg Pa. Perkins, who not only provided red white and blue pancakes, they did a patriotic table decoration, see attached photos. Lunch at the Pocono Brewing Company and, to top the day off, dinner at the Tannersville Inn. Many of the festivities were taped by local TV stations, WNEP, WBRE, WYOU and BRCTV-13 while at PBC. The local newspaper, the Pocono Record, also took pictures and interviewed attendees for publication the next day while we were at the Inn. While at the Tannersville Inn, we where also all treated to a specially decorated cake donated by a local bakery. Every one was, not only stuffed, but very appreciative and, a little teary eyed by the end of the day for the recognition we were all getting. Attending members where awarded a limited edition framed Eagle from Moritz Embroidery in Mount Pocono. Karl Moritz, owner of the company and Vietnam Veteran, also made up black baseball caps with the VVA patch embroidered on the front and VVA Chapter 678 on the back for each of the members. Tee Shirts from F.J. Hess with Vietnam Veterans logos on the back plus Tee shirts from PNC Field, where the Yankees Triple A farm team plays were also gifted. Gorman Chiropractic awarded gift certificates plus pens from most area merchants presented to the veterans in gift bags prepared by the Chapter 678 AVVA. John Siptroth, who is our local member to the House of Representatives, presented all attending members at the Tannersville Inn with a 3x5 foot American flag and also a Pennsylvania state flag. A hat pin of both flags criss crossed was given to each member. Representative Siptroth is also a member of Chapter 678. It was a tremendous day for all the members of Chapter 678 who were in attendance during the day. Of course, none of this would have happened without the tireless efforts of our AVVA head Debbie Russo who spent countless hours on the phone, and going door to door, speeking donations. Most folks weren't aware of Vietnam Veterans Day but, once they were made aware, they were more than happy to go above and beyond to donate and, cheer the members of the Chapter. "WELCOME HOME VIETNAM VETERANS DAY" is not published to any extreme currently but, over time, it will come to be appreciated by the public en masse. Here in the Poconos, it's not unusual for folks to come up to a Vietnam Veteran and thank them for the service whenever they see a Vietnam service baseball cap or the distinctive green jackets of the 'Vietnam Veterans of America, Pocono Chapter 678'. As I've said before, it's not unusual to get a little teary eyed when you're somewhere and some youngster comes up to you and says 'thank you', extending they're hand, while they're parents are off to the side with a big smile on they're face. WBRE http://pahomepage.com/fulltext/?nxd_id=130875 |
| "WELCOME HOME VIETNAM VETERANS DAY" Celebrations in the Poconos |
| Members of V.V.A. 678, the following pages are still under construction so if you have pictures to submit send them to my rlkj@vva678.net and I will post them for you, also needed are captions and comments both for our pictures and appreciation for our sponsors. |
