Delaware town plans for honoring Vietnam veterans
One woman’s efforts to honor veterans from Vietnam will result in a welcome home parade that she says these soldiers should have received years ago.
“It made me feel very, very sad” said Karan Lazar, talking about when she found out Vietnam Veterans were never official welcomed home. “They should have come back to respect, but they didn’t,” she said.
In the face of the slight Vietnam Veterans faced decades ago, Lazar took action. Because of her efforts, the town of Harrington, Delaware will be holding a welcome home parade called ‘Welcome Home Again: Walk of Heroes’” for Vietnam veterans May 8th.
“When I went to Mayor [Robert] Price a year ago, he just was like ‘Oh, this is just wonderful, this is absolutely wonderful, the city is behind you 110%,’” she said.
Vietnam veterans groups from around the region have also been highly supportive.
“I’ve never been thanked so much in my life. Groups from all over the area are coming,” Lazar said. She even mentioned a group from the Lancaster area who plan to be at the parade.
This isn’t the only way Lazar hopes to show support for Vietnam veterans. “My dream also has included…to approach the Delaware senators, Delaware representatives, and approach them to propose legislation for Vietnam Veterans Day,” a move, she says, that many other states have made.
The walk of heroes will be held Saturday morning May 8th in Harrington, starting at 10:30. The old armory is the final destination.
With one month to go, Lazar is still looking for help with the event. “I do need vendors. I’m still looking for marching bands and donations are always, always welcome,” she said. She also made a specific request for bagpipers, but said anyone is welcome to bring anything in the parade. Extra donations will be used for maintenance of the new Vietnam Veteran War Memorial in Dover.
No matter what, Lazar is determined to make this parade happen. “We can’t let them down again. We just can’t do that to this group. They’ve waited so long for this and they’re so excited and they’re so appreciative and they’re so humble,” she said.
“Bring your hankies and your Kleenexes,” on parade day, Lazar said. The parade is “going to be very emotional, but a happy emotional.”
If you are interested in participating, contact Karen Lazar at 398-4770 or 745-6837. Her e-mail address is kkl32151@earthlink.com
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