Vietnam veterans commemorated at Sr. Cub Center, March 29

March 29 is National Vietnam War Veterans Day, and Phyllis Whitsitt led a team of volunteers to commemorate the Vietnam Veterans residing in Olney. The event was held at the Olney Senior Cub Center, and lunch was prepared by the Senior Cub Center Staff with help from several sponsors and private donors.

While President Trump signed into law the “Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017,” this was the first year that Olney recognized the local veterans. The local veterans and spouses showed up to accept their lapel pin and certificate of commemoration.

The guest speaker was Pastor Jeffrey A. Pehl of First United Methodist Church of Iowa Park in Wichita Falls. Though Pehl did not serve in the military, he worked for the Department of Defense as a civilian, and he remains supportive of veterans.

“I am here today to thank and honor the veterans with the presentation of the commemorative pins to the local veterans and their spouses,” Pehl said.

Pastor Harrell Braddock , Jr. of First United Methodist Church in Olney led the invocation followed by a welcome from Phyllis Whitsitt and veteran service officer Doug Magneson. Also, guests were thrilled to hear encouraging words from Mayor Rue Rogers.

“Olney may not be the biggest town, but it is just as important as any town that honors their vets,” Rogers said.