Auburn alumnus, Medal of Honor recipient part of Vietnam vet event at Auburn High March 29

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Two Medal of Honor recipients, including an Auburn University alumnus, will share their reflections on service in the Vietnam War at the East Alabama Vietnam Veterans Welcome Home Ceremony at 6 p.m., Thursday, March 29.

Auburn High School, in conjunction with National Vietnam Veterans Day, is hosting the event in the school’s performing arts building.

The two Medal of Honor recipients, retired U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. James Livingston, an Auburn University alumnus, and retired U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Bennie Adkins, an Opelika resident, will be joined by keynote speaker Joe Galloway, a Vietnam War correspondent and co-author of “We Were Soldiers Once…and Young.”

The evening will offer an opportunity for reflection, remembrance and celebration, in addition to providing a chance to right the bitter or dismissive reactions so many veterans experienced upon returning to the United States after their tours of duty.

“This event allows the greater East Alabama-West Georgia region to demonstrate our gratitude for the devotion and sacrifice of those who served during this period,” said Blake Busbin, Auburn High history teacher. “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 and, in many cases, were greeted with hostility or ignored when returning.”

In partnership with the Twin Cities Chapter of the Disabled American Veterans, participating veterans who served during Vietnam who have not already been so recognized will be presented with the official 50th anniversary commemoration lapel pin provided by the Department of Defense. The Auburn High School choir will perform and Vietnam-era military vehicles will be on display. A reception with light refreshments will follow.

Veterans who served during Vietnam and their families are invited to attend this event. Gold Star families are also encouraged to participate in memory of their fallen family members.

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

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