Vietnam Veterans to be honored in March 24 ceremony

Members of Menifee VFW Post 1956 will join other veterans and their supporters throughout Riverside County in a ceremony honoring Vietnam Veterans on March 24.

The Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. in the Memorial Amphitheater at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd. in Riverside. In conjunction with the ceremony, a motorcycle run will leave American Legion Post 79 at Fairmount Park at 9 a.m. to proceed to the cemetery. Registration for the run starts at 7:30 a.m.

The motorcycle run is organized and presented by the Inland Empire Chapter 47 of the Vietnam Veterans of America. To participate in the motorcycle run, go to www.VVA47.com. During the 10 a.m. ceremony, Master Gunnery Sergeant (ret) Jack Soto and Jess Gomez US Army (ret) along with other Vietnam Veterans will share their experiences.

Following the ceremony, there is a reception at the March Field Air Museum for Veterans of all eras and their family members. Appetizers and refreshment will be served.

In 2009, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed legislation declaring March 30 as Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day. The Inland Empire observance  is being held on the previous weekend to maximize attendance.