Heroes Homecoming Invites All Vietnam Vets to March in Veterans Day Parade
Fayetteville, NC Hosts 10-Day National "Welcome Home" Event
October 2011
Fayetteville, NC – October 4, 2011 – Fayetteville/Cumberland County, North Carolina wants to make sure every Vietnam veteran gets a long overdue “welcome home.” That’s why America’s First Military Sanctuary community is putting on Heroes Homecoming from November 4-13, 2011. As the event gets closer, the entire community is pulling out all the stops to make sure Vietnam vets everywhere are personally invited to the 10-day, 60-event reunion.
“It’s our mission to make sure that every Vietnam vet in the country knows about the celebration and can attend as many events as possible during that 10 days,” says John Meroski, President and CEO of the Fayetteville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. “We want to make sure the streets of downtown Fayetteville are overflowing with thousands and thousands of Vietnam vets and supporters during our annual Veterans Day Parade.”
The Veterans Day Parade, which will take place on Saturday, November 12 at 11:00 a.m., will be the most visible of all the Heroes Homecoming events. The parade is the perfect opportunity for the entire community to come together in a public display of support and finally say ‘thank you’ to these deserving vets. All Vietnam veterans are invited to take part by marching in the parade. If you are interested in participating, contact Bob Graveen with Vietnam Veterans of America at (919) 498-1770 or grav1730@aol.com.
Planning has been underway for months to get the word out to Vietnam veterans across the country about Heroes Homecoming, the largest commemoration of its kind. Who better to help spread the word than THE voice of Vietnam, Adrian Cronauer? As the inspiration behind the movie Good Morning, Vietnam, there’s no one that Vietnam vets more readily recognize and trust than him. Cronauer has dedicated a significant portion of his life to serving his fellow veterans. He is continuing his work by making sure each and every Vietnam veteran knows about Heroes Homecoming so they can receive the long overdue ‘welcome home’ they so rightly deserve.
Heroes Homecoming is reaching out to all Vietnam and military associations across the country in order to make sure each of their members know about the event in plenty of time so they can be in Fayetteville to receive their personal welcome home.
Complimentary tickets are available to a number of Vietnam vets for specially selected events during Heroes Homecoming. The USO of NC is sponsoring a Variety Show with music and entertainment highlighting the Vietnam Era on Saturday, November 12 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. The show will be headlined by American actress and singer Connie Stevens, best known for her roles in the television series Hawaiian Eye and Maverick. Stevens has gained worldwide popularity as a multi-talented performer and producer over her 30-year career. She has performed at the Kennedy Center and for four U.S. Presidents. She has a long history of showing her support for the U.S. military and made frequent trips overseas during conflicts in Vietnam and the Persian Gulf.
Stevens will be joined at the variety show by the USO Liberty Bells. The Liberty Bells are part of an American tradition that began nearly 70 years ago with performances in the South Pacific. The group’s performances feature an array of traditional and contemporary selections and, of course, patriotic favorites. Adrian Cronauer will emcee the event.
Complimentary tickets are also available for a concert by country superstar Darius Rucker. The concert, which is proudly presented by Community Concerts at Crown Arena, will take place on Friday, November 11 at 7:00 p.m. Rucker will take the main stage following performances by two opening acts, Thompson Square and Justin Moore.
Tickets are also available at no cost to Vietnam vets for a luncheon to honor nurses that served in Vietnam on November 10, the American Red Cross “Red and White Wine Gala” on November 10, performances of “Miss Saigon” from November 3-20, and a Fellowship Breakfast on November 13.
Heroes Homecoming is being held in partnership with the Fayetteville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. All Heroes Homecoming events recognize the service and sacrifice of our veterans, ranging from concerts and parades, to lectures and movie viewings, to cultural celebrations and recognition ceremonies.
For more information on Heroes Homecoming, visit www.HeroesHomecoming.com.
About Heroes Homecoming:
As America’s First Military Sanctuary Community, Fayetteville/Cumberland County is giving brave Vietnam veterans the welcome home they deserve. The community will host Heroes Homecoming – the biggest commemoration/reunion of its kind – for the 10 days leading up to Veterans Day 2011. The event series will feature celebrations, discussions, fellowship and memories for all those who attend. Heroes Homecoming is Fayetteville/Cumberland County’s way of showing all Vietnam veterans that we remember and appreciate their courage, their sacrifice and everything they’ve done to defend our freedom – now and forever.
About the FACVB:
The Fayetteville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau is a private, not-for-profit organization responsible for positioning Fayetteville/Cumberland County as a destination for conventions, sporting events and individual travel. For additional information, visit www.visitfayettevillenc.com or call 1-800-255-8217. Fayetteville/Cumberland County is America's first military sanctuary. Through the Army's Army and other volunteer groups, our citizens and businesses are dedicated to “watching over those who watch over us ©.”
Press Contact: Leah Knepper (lknepper@rubberneckmedia.com), 888-98-HEROES
