The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Saluting Vietnam veterans

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Dignitaries, veterans and members of the community gathered for a tribute to Vietnam-era veterans at the 2019 Swamp Fest at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park on Nov. 2. U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis was among those gathered to honor the veterans at the event, which included a video of various phases of the Vietnam War. It was presented by The Rotary Club of Land O’ Lakes and Acme On the Go mobile advertising. The event was held on the morning of the first full day of Swamp Fest. The tribute preceded the annual celebration of Veterans Day on Nov. 11, which is the anniversary of the armistice that ended World War I, in 1918.

Among the 16 Vietnam War veterans recognized for their service, Vinnie Rega (right), 74, of Port Richey served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army in Vietnam, in 1965 and 1967. A mobile LED display at the event was provided by Matt Prenderville, of Acme On the Go, of Wesley Chapel. (Fred Bellet)
John A. Conkle, 71, of Lutz, and Jim House, 74, right, of Land O’ Lakes, salute as the Color Guard from Boy Scout Troop 149 of Wesley Chapel posts the colors. Both veterans served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War.
Jerome Sableski, of Palm Harbor, reflects on his years in Southeast Asia. He served with the U.S. Navy from 1968 to 1970. Sableski represented Veterans Alternative in Holiday.

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