Auburn High to host welcome home ceremony for Vietnam veterans

Two war veterans and a war correspondent who co-authored a best selling book are special guests as Auburn High School honors veterans of the Vietnam War as part of National Vietnam Veterans Day.

Guests for the 6 p.m. CST Thursday event in the performing arts building on Samford Avenue include Medal of Honor recipients retired U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Bennie Adkins, an Opelika resident, and retired U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. James Livingston, an Auburn University graduate, recalling their service in the war and Joe Galloway, a war correspondent and co-author of the 1992 book, “We Were Soldiers Once…and Young,” will deliver the keynote address.

Blake Busbin, a history teacher at Auburn High School, said Vietnam and Vietnam-era veterans and their families are invited to attend the welcome home ceremony. Gold Star families are also encouraged to attend the event in memory of their fallen family members.

“This ceremony allows the greater East Alabama region to demonstrate our gratitude for the devotion and sacrifice of those who served during this period,” Busbin said. “The Vietnam War was one of the most consequential events of the 20th century for America, yet we have not taken the time to honor our veterans who accepted the call for duty regardless of the circumstances of the time or conflict.”

Vietnam and Vietnam-era veterans who have not already been recognized will be presented the official 50th anniversary commemoration lapel pin from the Department of Defense. Vietnam-era military vehicles will be on display and the Auburn High School choir will perform.

For more information, email Busbin at wbbusbin@auburnschools.org or call Auburn High School at 334- 887-2120. It is located at 1701 E. Samford Ave.

This story was originally published March 28, 2018 at 11:56 PM with the headline "Auburn High to host welcome home ceremony for Vietnam veterans."