MICHIANA — Medal of Honor recipients and two former Prisoners of War will be among the honored guests at a celebration of Vietnam veterans this weekend.

Lest We Forget, a non-profit patriotic organization, is sponsoring the event, called “A Welcome Home to Vietnam Veterans,” at the Southwest Regional Airport in Benton Harbor Friday through Sunday.

The intention of the event is to give proper thanks to the more than 3 million Americans who answered the call of their country during the Vietnam War.

All Vietnam veterans who attend will receive a special “Appreciation Certificate” for their service.

The event kicks off Friday with a Vietnam Veterans Remembrance Ride through Southwest Michigan. Registration is at 10 a.m. and the ride leaves at 12:30 p.m. from Southwest Michigan Regional Airport, 1123 Territorial Rd., Benton Harbor.

Veteran Gary Wetzel, who received the Medal of Honor while serving in the Vietnam, will lead the 90-mile ride which will include stops in Riverfront Park in Niles and Four Winds Casino in New Buffalo.

All proceeds from the ride will help fund this weekend’s event. Cost is $25 per bike or $30 with a passenger.

Lest We Forget will present two realistic Vietnam re-enactments on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, featuring helicopters, war dog handlers with live dogs, a flame-thrower, Vietnam-era military vehicles and more. Each re-enactment will begin with a parachute drop.

A special memorial service will be held at 9:30 a.m. Sunday to honor 47 local Vietnam veterans who lost their lives in the conflict.

 

Schedule of Events

 

Friday

10 a.m. — Vietnam Veterans Remembrance Ride

7 p.m. — Program at the Chapel featuring a unit from the “We Were Soldiers” movie

 

Saturday

8 a.m. — Welcome

8:05 a.m. — Vietnam war dog handlers presentation

9 a.m. — Medal of Honor recipients Joe Marm and Tony Nadal

10 a.m. — Vietnam Prisoners of War Joe Kernan and Frank Anton

11 a.m. — Vietnam Battlefield Tours by Bill Stilwagen

11:45 a.m. — Medal of Honor recipients Don Ballard and Harvey Ross

1:30 p.m. — The Battle of Dak To Hill 875 by John Steer

1:30 p.m. — Navy Operations

2:30 p.m. — Tribute to Korean Government

3 p.m. — Tribute to “Boat” people and Vietnamese

3:30 p.m. — Vietnam re-enactment

6 p.m. — ’60s fashion show

6:30 p.m. — Vietnam books and authors

7:30 p.m. — John Steer Patriotic Concert

8:30 p.m. — Bob Hope USO Show with Lynn Roberts and Jen Brohman

 

Sunday

7 a.m. — Classic Car Show

8 a.m. — Living with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

9 a.m. — Church and Purple Heart Memorial Service

10:30 a.m. — All Star Panel of Joe Marm, Frank Anton, Don Ballard and Gary Wetzel

11:30 a.m. — Jack Benny show with Lynn Roberts

11:45 a.m. — Battle of Ia Drang

12:30 p.m. — Jimmy Durante show with Lynn Roberts

12:45 p.m. — Vietnam experiences with multiple speakers

1:45 p.m. — Red Skelton show with Lynn Roberts

2 p.m. — Agent Orange

2:30 p.m. — Bob Hope show

2:45 p.m. — We Won by Don Alsbro

3 p.m. — Vietnam Re-enactment