On Flag Day, 14 June 2014, Custer County veterans of the Vietnam War were honored at the Custer Jr/Sr High School theater. The event was part of a multi-year Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemoration organized by the Harney Peak Chapter of the South Dakota Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). Assisting the DAR were Custer American Legion Post #46, Hermosa American Legion Post #303, Custer VFW Post #3442, and the Custer County Veterans Service Office. The event began with a parade of flags through downtown Custer, SD by Hot Springs Legion Riders Chapter #71, escorted by Custer County Sheriff Rick Wheeler. The flags were delivered to the Custer Veterans Joint Color Guard who posted the colors, commencing the program. The program proceeded with invocation, performance of the National Anthem, and meaningful speeches. All Vietnam War Veterans were then recognized with individual presentation of a certificate of appreciation, commemorative pin, and presidential and gubernatorial proclamations. Those veterans not present were to be mailed their presentation material. The Color Guard retired the colors and refreshments were served in the school commons area. (All photos and captions used with permission of Custer County Chronicle and Custer Free Press)

 

 

Custer Veterans Joint Color Guard Posting the Colors Tuesday, June 14, 2016. Photo: Herb Ryan/Custer

 

Gena Parkhurst Black Hills Chapter Regent, NSDAR gives welcoming remarks to the audience at the Custer County Vietnam Veterans Flag Day Ceremony Tuesday, June 14, 2016. Photo: Herb Ryan/Custer Free Press

 

Phyliss Lyndoe (Paul’s sister) and Vietnam Vet Cpl Paul Miller, USMC from Custer listen to remarks on Vietnam Veterans by Autumn Simunek, Miss South Dakota 2015. at the Custer County Vietnam Veterans Flag Day Ceremony Tuesday, June 14, 2016. Photo: Herb Ryan/Custer Free Press

 

Autumn Simunek, 2015 Miss South Dakota speaking at the Custer County Vietnam Veterans Flag Day Ceremony Tuesday, June 14, 2016 Photo: Herb Ryan/Custer Free Press

 

Cathy Rosane – Harney Peak Chapter, NSDAR speaks on the meaning of the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War and what it means to us, at the Custer County Vietnam Veterans Flag Day Ceremony Tuesday, June 14, 2016. Photo: Herb Ryan/Custer Free Press

 

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