The Chester P. Tuttle American Legion Post 279, held a Welcome Home ceremony on September 6, to recognize Vietnam Veterans from their post and from the town of Auburn. 

To open the event, those in attendance went outside to view Traveling Vietnam Wall, a memorial tribute to fallen veterans and owned by the Vietnam Veterans for the Community. Commander Rich Larson led a dedication of the memorial with the national anthem, a prayer by Chaplain Don Legasy, a dedication of the monument representing soldiers that never made it back, and Taps. 

Inside, Senior Vice Commander Steve Gallant introduced Ray Robidoux to read a poem by Red Burnette. Speakers for the event were State Sen. Michael Moore followed by State Rep. Paul Frost. Town manager Dori Vecchio also spoke with Vietnam Veterans for the Community speaker Phil Madaio following. 

The keynote speaker was the Massachusetts Commander of the American Legion, Scott Conner. He spoke about the committee that repatriates service members lost in battle. 

After the opening speeches, the names of each Vietnam Veteran was read out. The Post’s American Legion Auxiliary pinned a Vietnam Tribute Lapel Pin each veteran and gave them a Proclamation from the President of the United

States, which they accepted with gratitude. 

A second pinning ceremony followed for wives that supported their spouse while they were in the service. They were each awarded a Veteran’s Spouse lapel pin.

A light lunch was served following the ceremonies.

Thanks are due to the committee for their hard work in putting the event together. They were Chair Steve Gallant, Committee Members: Millie Larson, Lorie Zybus, Marsha Robidoux, Mike McNamara, Ray Robidoux, and Steve Conway.