The Laker/Lutz News

Honoring Vietnam veterans at commemorative dinner

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It was a tight squeeze, so the Color Guard from Tampa’s American Legion Post 5, came out in a single file to post the colors prior to the National Anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance. From left: U.S. Air Force veteran Jess Scoggins, of Tampa; Ed O’Mara, of Tampa; Carlos Gill, of Tampa; and U.S. Navy veteran John Blidy, of Tampa. (Fred Bellet)

Soldiers returning from the Vietnam War often faced hostility and scorn.

An event commemorating the 50th anniversary of that war had a much different tone.

Here, those who served their country were regarded with respect, and their sacrifices were honored and celebrated.

About 150 people turned out for the event, hosted by American Legion Post 108, at the Plantation Palms Golf Club.

Veterans, family members and others gathered for the event, at which 44 Vietnam veterans were honored.

Tribute also was paid to those who did not return from the war — through displays in the room and the symbolic “Missing Man” table.

American Legion Post 108 Commander Randy Holeyfield welcomed those gathered, and Tampa’s American Legion Post 5 provided the ceremonial color guard and honor guard duties.

U.S. Marine Corps veteran Dan Biser, of Lutz, offered the opening prayer, and retired U.S. Marines Corps Maj. Gen. James Hartsell spoke on “Keeping the Legacy Alive.” Hartsell is the executive director of the Florida Department of Veteran Affairs.

The atmosphere at the event was one of dignity, respect, honor and pride.

Published May 11, 2022

U.S. Army veteran Robert Hurt, of Tampa, has clear recollections of his years as a sergeant major in Vietnam, from 1966 to 1971.
United States Air Force veteran Joe Dilimone, left, was a flight line supervisor during his tours in Vietnam, from 1966 to 1968. He served in a role something like an air traffic controller, getting aircraft into the air and landing them. He attended the Vietnam War 50th Commemoration Dinner with his son, Robert, of Port Richey.
Bob Szymanowski, of Land O’ Lakes, right, sergeant-at-arms for American Legion Post 108, greets veterans. His son, Keith, of Brooksville, stands beside him.
Post Commander Randy Holeyfield reflects and remembers the Vietnam War. Holeyfield, a veteran of the U.S. Navy, welcomed the nearly 150 people who attended the event at the Plantation Palms Golf Club.
Sarah Holosopple looks over a Vietnam War commemorations displays set up in the banquet room at Plantation Palms Golf Club, the site of the event held to honor veterans of the Vietnam War and to mark the 50th anniversary of the war. She attended the event with her father, Gerry Holosopple, of Land O’ Lakes, a Vietnam War veteran.

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