ABOUT THE EVENT

In January 1964, a relatively unknown balladeer and songwriter named Bob Dylan released a song he had written titled, "The Times They Are A'Changin."

The title could not have been more prophetic, particularly for America and its military.

By the end of 1965, many Americans had developed a jaundiced view of the war in Vietnam and public protests took place across the country. It would worsen until the war's end in 1975.

Added to that was the news media's unfettered reporting of the war, particularly that of television, which brought the horrors of combat into America's living rooms in living color.

So unfortunately, our brave military men and women stepped off their returning flights from Southeast Asia to find a nation in the throes of social and political turmoil, no longer comfortable with itself and in no mood to recognize or welcome home its heroes.

That recognition and welcome home is long overdue. That's why Hardin County has united through its Chambers of Commerce to officially accomplish that recognition. Vietnam veterans who attend with their families will enjoy the activities and opportunities afforded them along with fellow veterans.

Our county appreciates and understands the sacrifices they've made.

So from all of us, Welcome Home from the Heartland! We hope our efforts enable you to find closure not offered generations ago, and that you bask in the warmth of the appreciation we offer you for your honored service on our behalf as a county, state, and nation.


May God bless you and your families, and may God continue to bless this great nation.


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FORT KNOX – Thursday, August 26th, 10:00 a.m.

Fort Knox will be recognizing the contributions of Vietnam veterans at a ceremony at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 26 at Brooks Parade Field on Fort Knox. Current Active Duty Soldiers will greet Vietnam veterans, the 113th Army Band will play, a keynote speaker will address the crowd, and military equipment will serve as static displays. Free food will be available to veterans and their family members.


Vietnam veterans wishing to participate in the ceremony are asked to arrive at the Patton Museum off US 31W at 9:15 a.m. EST to board Fort Knox buses. These buses will leave the Patton Museum at 9:40 a.m. for the ceremony at Fort Knox's Brooks Parade Field.


Family members of the Vietnam veterans are highly encouraged to attend the ceremony. If driving to Fort Knox together, family members are asked to drop their veteran off at the Patton Museum and proceed to Brooks Parade Field (directional signage will be provided to guide the family members to the ceremony site).


After the ceremony, veterans are encouraged to view the current and Vietnam era military equipment on display and enjoy fellowship and complimentary food. In addition, from 1 to 4 p.m., everyone is welcome to take a bus windshield tour of Fort Knox. The tours are 1-hour long, beginning each hour, starting and ending at the Patton Museum.


VINE GROVE – Thursday, August 26th, 6:00 p.m.

Sponsored by VFW Post 10281, City of Vine Grove, & Vine Grove Chamber of Commerce
Location: Optimist Park, at 111 Volunteer Way in Vine Grove. BBQ will be provided by the VFW Post 10281. Terry Cantwell will sing “Proud to be an American”. There will be special awards given by Mayor Smith. We will then have music by The Heartland Phillies, Hardin County Playhouse Singers and more.


RADCLIFF/WEST POINT – Friday, August 27th, 4:00-10:00 p.m.

In association with the Heartland Chambers Alliance, co-sponsored by the Chambers of Radcliff and West Point and the Heart of Kentucky Association of Realtors.


West Point: Civil War Re-enactors dresses in period uniforms will be on hand to welcome veterans to Fort Duffield from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Contact Roszelle Moore for more information, 502-922-4505. For directions to the Fort contact me or Gaye Moore at City Hall 502-922-4260.


Radcliff: 4:00 – 10:00 p.m., Radcliff Square, Corner of 31W and E. Lincoln Trail Blvd.

This event will be fun for all ages and there will be something for everyone to enjoy!



There will be 3 live bands playing a variety of music: The Monarchs, Yur Mom and Salsa Rhythms


A Central Command Station will be set up for information and to register our Veterans. Free Food to all of our Veterans! Come early and stay late. Bring a lawn chair to enjoy time with your family and friends while listening to live music and taking part in the many activities.


ELIZABETHTOWN – Saturday, August 28th & Sunday 29th

Saturday, August 28th: The "Welcome Home to Vietnam Veterans" kicks into high gear Saturday morning with the 28th Annual Kentucky Heartland Festival (KHF) Parade which will begin at 10:00 A.M. in Historic Downtown Elizabethtown. The Welcome Home continues at 11:00 A.M. at Freeman Lake with a day full of rides, music, food, craft displays, a salute from the agricultural community to the Veterans and more! An official ceremony will take place at 2:00 P.M. at the area designated "Camp Saigon." The day concludes with a concert, followed by a display of fireworks!


Sunday, August 29th: A Sunrise Service/Breakfast will be provided for all Vietnam Veterans and their families by the Hardin County Ministerial Association at "Camp Saigon” at Freeman Lake Park. The service will be lead by Father Kent Leitchfield, a Vietnam Veteran. There is no cost to those attending.


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