FOREST CITY – A free event honoring Vietnam veterans with a “huge Welcome Home” organizers say many never received will be held later this month in Forest City, and the public is invited.
Operation LZ committee member and organizer Linda Parmley says all veterans of all eras are welcome to attend Operation LZ, to be held August 29-30 in Forest City. The public is encouraged to bring youth to experience educational displays and a large air show. This is a one-time only event; “guesstimated” attendance of the event is currently at 12,000 attendees.
According to Operation LZ, this year marks the 40th Anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. A war that lasted 13 years and divided the nation. Many young men and women were called to serve and sacrifice but upon discharge received no thank you or welcome home. History shows many if not most were ridiculed and openly challenged in public for their service.
Eighteen months ago a group of North Iowans from nine counties led by Riley Lewis, Jack Caputo, Mark Frakes, Leon Christianson, Dave Kingland and Bob Havner targeted having a local event where all those who served in all services from 1962-1975 were honored and thanked. Operation LZ (Landing Zone) at Forest City, Iowa was created where each veteran could bring family, friends, and community to receive honor and a special thank you. The main event days are August 29-30th. The committee of 25 from the nine counties raised funds from over 100 individuals, businesses and six county governments. They also were strongly encouraged when offered the free use of the Winnebago Ind. Rally Grounds, Heritage Park and the City of Forest City Airport.
Opportunities for LZ attenders include the Traveling Wall, Huey, Cobra, T-6, and POW-MIA tethered hot air balloon rides. They will be complemented with an Air Show both days featuring skydivers and the Poet Ethanol Stunt plane squadron. Other activities include the Rockie Lynne Concert on Saturday afternoon, military vehicles from yesterday compared to today, and the popular Vietnam Traveling Museum containing over 10,000 articles. Other Vietnam aircraft will also be in attendance from around the country.
In attendance and part of the activities will be Iowa Governor Branstad, POW Larry Spencer, and Marine Three Star General Hejlik who grew up in the Garner area.
Also on Sunday only will be a non-denominational service with Chaplain Brig. General John Hemann at 9 am at the Wall and the Private Andrew Malone Car Show and Shine Car Show from 10- 3pm for all cars older than 1975. A special Memory Lane will feature cars, trucks or motorcycles of passed Vietnam Era Vets still owned by family members or friends. No registration required.
All attenders are encouraged to register at www.operationlz.com or by calling 641-582-2771. Vietnam era vets will receive by registering a free meal card and commemorative medallion or coin. Camping is available. Lawn chairs are encouraged and golf carts can be rented by calling 641-843-4132.
Operation LZ is a one-time event in honor of our Vietnam Vets. The free event is open to the public as well as all veterans.
