Veterans Day Celebration Gives Thanks to Unsung Servicemen

For the Sonoma's 52nd annual , organizers decided to mix it up and focus on the oft-unrecognized veterans of the Vietnam War. 

The first themed Veterans Day celebration “Welcome home Vietnam veterans.”

Co-hosted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Bear Flag Post 1943 and American Legion Jack London Post 489, the observance will be held in the , 126 First St. West.

Dan Parker, commander of Post 1943 and a lifelong Sonoma resident, said he saw his role in this year's event as an opportunity to "sever from the past," and take the ceremony in a new direction. 

A veteran of Desert Storm, Parker returned home to parades and a warm welcome. Not all veterans were given the same recognition.

"We never did anything for Vietnam veterans – when they came home they were met with hostile Americans for no good reason – so they never did receive a welcome," said Parker.

""Historically if you go up to a Vietnam Vet and shake their hand and thank them for their service, it means the world to them because they never got that."

The theme is also an apt recognition of next year's event, where Sonoma will host "The Moving Wall," a traveling half-size replica of Maya Lin's Vietnam War Memorial, which sits on perminent display in Washington, D.C.

To honor both the men and the period, the service will have music from the 60s and 70s. The belated welcome home is set for Friday, Nov. 11, starting at 11 a.m.

The guest speaker is Bucky Peterson, a retired United States Marine Corps and Sonoma resident, who is currently special assistant to the Chancellor of the California State University on veteran and military education. Peterson will focus on his current work, helping to connect recent vets with educational opportunities via. the GI Bill.

Veterans will have an oportunity to introduce themselves and share their stories on an open mike. After the ceremony, veterans and the public are welcome to a USO-style lunch – sponsored by Vintage House – featuring chilli, hot dogs, and other Americana themed food.

The first 300 guests will be admitted to the lunch free.

Though the event gives special welcome to Vietnam veterans, Parker said he hopes all service persons will feel appreciated at the service.

"There’s no disrespect to the past; it’s just you have to come in closer to the future," he said. "It is Veterans Day and Veterans Day honors all veterans from all conflicts and wars." 

Third Annual "Dance for the Troops"

The retro celebration continues into Saturday, for the Third Annual "Dance for the Troops." Sponsored by the American Legion Jack London Post 489, the dinner, drinks and big band fete raises money to send holiday packages to overseas troops.

This years festivities meet Saturday, Nov. 12 at the Sonoma Veteran's Memorial Building. The party runs from 6 - 10 pm.

Last year, the dance raised close to $13,000, allowing volunteers to ship 325 holiday packages to troops stationed in Afghanistan and Iraq. 

Tickets are $45 ahead of time, $55 at the door. Purchase at , , or

Costumes and uniforms are strongly encouraged; there are awards for the best dressed. 

For more information, phone/fax (707) 935-9426. Or if you wish to make continuing donations of cash, make checks payable to Dance for the Troops.  For donating items to ship, please contact Ron Gruetter at 707-299-8358.