HARLINGEN — Marine Military Academy will hold a Vietnam War Commemorative Parade on Saturday.
The parade will begin at 10 a.m. on the MMA Parade Ground. The public is welcome to attend the special event.
Superintendent Col. R. Glenn Hill said the parade is to express gratitude to those veterans who unselfishly served in one of the most controversial wars in U.S. history.
“During the Vietnam War, the public’s dissatisfaction with the war was often reflected in the treatment of the men and women who served there,” Hill said.
“Fortunately, over time, we have come to recognize that the men and women of our armed services should be honored for their sacrifices.”
On May 25, 2012, President Barack Obama proclaimed May 28, 2012 to Nov. 11, 2025 to be the Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War.
According to Hill, MMA decided to hold the Vietnam War Commemorative Parade the same year the school celebrated its 50th anniversary.
The Vietnam War was a civil war between communist North Vietnam and non-communist South Vietnam. The war endured nearly 20 years, from Nov. 1, 1955, to April 30, 1975.
In March 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson made the decision to send U.S. combat forces into Vietnam to support South Vietnam. On March 8, 1965, 3,900 U.S. Marines waded ashore China Beach, which marked the beginning of the American ground war.
The U.S. stayed involved until March 29, 1975.
At the parade, there will be special reserved seating for Vietnam War veterans. During the parade, the veterans will join the MMA superintendent for the ceremonial pass in review.
For more information on the Vietnam War Commemorative Parade, call 956-421-9225 or e-mail [email protected].
