Dear Vietnam vets, Bayview wants you
(Photo courtesy of Norma Knowles/Bayview Chamber) Uncle Sam’s Bucket Brigade, headed by Bob Prince, Jenny Prince and Jamie Berube, collects fireworks funds in front of the Bayview Mercantile during the 2016 Bayview Daze Parade. This year, the town is inviting Vietnam vets to march, walk or ride in the parade to honor them with a warm hometown welcome.
Photo courtesy of Norma Knowles/Bayview Chamber of Commerce Athol American Legion Post 149 leads the Bayview Daze Parade in downtown Bayview during the 2016 festivities. Bayview is inviting Vietnam veterans within 100 miles of the town to participate in the 2017 parade to finally receive a hero’s welcome for their time serving their country.
BAYVIEW — Dear Vietnam veterans: The queen is requesting your presence.
Vicky Richardson, the first official queen of Bayview, is inviting all Vietnam veterans within 100 miles of the little lakefront community to be in the 2017 Bayview Days Fourth of July Parade to receive the hero's welcome they earned while serving in the military.
"I want them to feel welcomed home the way they deserve to be welcomed home, and Bayview is stepping up to do that,” Richardson said.
The veterans will be given hand-held American flags to wave during the parade and to keep as souvenirs. After the parade, they will be treated to a free pizza luncheon in the Bayview Community Center.
Richardson is hoping between 80-100 Vietnam veterans will march, walk or ride in the parade. A flatbed will be available for those who cannot walk. A "Welcome Home Vietnam Vets" banner will be carried ahead of them.
"Many of them were so disrespected when they returned," she said. "We as Americans need to appreciate their sacrifice and that many of them were drafted. Many didn't even want to go, but they went to defend their country."
The Bayview Daze Parade will be at 11 a.m. July 1. Vietnam vets interested in participating should contact Richardson at bflchamp09@yahoo.com by June 26 to RSVP whether they are marching or riding on the flatbed. Those who will attend should be ready for parade lineup at 10 a.m.