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  • American Legion Post 324 Service Officer Clem Weldon holds a print of "Reflections" during the Vietnam Veterans Day celebration Friday. Weldon plans to get the print framed and donate it in honor of his brother, who served in the Vietnam War. John Oxford/The Moultrie Observer

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March 29, 2008

Vietnam Veterans Day

Community honors those who served in Southeast Asia

John Oxford

MOULTRIE — About 25 veterans and family members came out to honor veterans of the Vietnam War as part of Vietnam Veterans Day Friday.

Clem Weldon, service officer for the American Legion Post 324, said all veterans are family. He recognized members of the crowd who served in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.

The Rev. Hugh Ward said he learned much about loyalty and commitment studying the Bible and serving as a U.S. Marine. The Marine’s slogan, “Semper Fidelis,” means always faithful, but Ward said there is One who was faithful even before the Marines.

“God is the original old faithful,” Ward said. “Thanks be to God for men and women like you.”

Weldon then read a proclamation signed by Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue declaring March 29, 2008, as Vietnam Veterans Day. Weldon said Georgia is one of the first states to honor Vietnam veterans, and he appreciated the governor’s proclamation. The date signifies the 35th anniversary of the last 2,500 American troops being withdrawn from South Vietnam in 1973.

Weldon then showed a print of “Reflections” given to him by his niece that will be framed and given in honor of his brother. Weldon said he had three brothers who served in Vietnam.

Col. Hoyt Holland, a Korean War veteran, came forward and said Friday was also a special day for Korean veterans in Georgia. The stretch of Highway 80 running through Georgia was dedicated as Korean Veterans Parkway in Macon.

Weldon said there are more than 3,000 veterans in Colquitt County, and they are able to do a lot working together. He said those who gave the ultimate sacrifice serving in times of conflict would be proud of the efforts of living veterans.

“We do a lot of good together in this little town,” Weldon said. “The names on the memorial are proud of us today.”

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