North Carolina Broadcasters Join Forces to Fete Vietnam Vets
Statewide broadcast of "Welcome Home" event will salute local soldiers
By Michael Malone -- Broadcasting & Cable, 12/15/2011 11:30:00 AM
Broadcasters across North Carolina are thanking veterans of the Vietnam War for their service in a significant way with an all-day event planned for March 31, along with a telecast that most TV stations across the state, and the majority of radio outlets, plan to air live. "Welcome Home" will be held at Charlotte Motor Speedway, with perhaps 40,000 spectators checking out musical performances, a motorcycle parade, parachutists and speeches from war heroes and stars. A moment of silence will be observed to remember those killed in action.The USO of North Carolina is crafting the live event.
The inspiration for Welcome Home came from WXII Greensboro's Flight of Honor program, which saw the station reach out to the market's World War II veterans, and fly them to Washington to visit the War Memorial and meet with their elected representatives. Moved by the initiative, North Carolina Senator Richard Burr is working with the broadcast community to do something special for Vietnam veterans as well.
"North Carolina Association of Broadcasters, the USO of North Carolina and the Charlotte Motor Speedway, working with Senator Richard Burr's office, are coming together to give those who served our country a proper homecoming," says John Idler, incoming president of North Carolina Association of Broadcasters (NCAB) and WTVD Raleigh's president and general manager.
Some 200,000-plus North Carolina residents served in the war. The region is rich in military families; President Obama was at Fort Bragg Wednesday to thank troops and signal the end of the U.S. military's mission in Iraq.
The state's broadcasters will reach out to Vietnam veterans, and invite them to the event, through a series of PSAs. The large majority of stations will then air the event live 2-3 p.m. March 31. "We plan to blanket the state with coverage," says NCAB outgoing president Danny Highsmith.
Organizers are in talks with A-list Hollywood talent about performing in Charlotte.
Broadcasters have increased their efforts of late to thank Vietnam vets for their service, and help make up for the harsh treatment many received after returning home from the war. Wisconsin Public Television saluted its state's war veterans with a similar event at Lambeau Field in May of 2010, with several public and commercial stations across the state airing a documentary about Wisconsin's Vietnam veterans.
NCAB officials are hoping to have all NC TV stations on board with the program. "We've had terrific buy in from member stations," says Idler.
Additional reporting by John Eggerton.
Talkback
-
Two friends of mine who also served in Vietnam, and one friend who served in Korea during the Vietnam Era all went to the event, along with wives and children. Thank you so much for all your efforts, time, and money to put on a fabulous welcome home party. We laughed, reflected, enjoyed the company of other vets, had a few "pops", listened to really good music, and had a once in a lifetime day!
Kamal Eways - 4/3/2012 12:40:36 PM EDT -
I would like to see North Carolina be the one of the First States too Build a mer to all living and decest Disable for life Vetrans that where born in North Carolina. That serve and threw that service in a war, they became disabled for life.From all Branchs Of service, I have an idea that would or seems simple, for each Disable for life Vet there be a brick purchase by the Disabled vet or family, Engraved on this brick his name ,branch of service, which war, like WWII, or Vienam,so on. If living Date of birth, If Deceased date of brith and date of death. Requirements is that they be disabled for life and was war related ,that they have been born in North Carolina, Then the hard part make a walk way with the bricks or a wall with these bricks, make sure theres enough room to keep adding bricks from any future wars, which we all pray are none. I know i'm only one Vet. I'm sure that there are many more North Carolinas that would like to see our great state do something like this for our vets. Thank you Earnest Humphrey
Earnest Humphrey - 12/23/2011 8:45:47 PM EST -
I would like to see North Carolina be the one of the First States too Build a mer to all living and decest Disable for life Vetrans that where born in North Carolina. That serve and threw that service in a war, they became disabled for life.From all Branchs Of service, I have an idea that would or seems simple, for each Disable for life Vet there be a brick purchase by the Disabled vet or family, Engraved on this brick his name ,branch of service, which war, like WWII, or Vienam,so on. If living Date of birth, If Deceased date of brith and date of death. Requirements is that they be disabled for life and was war related ,that they have been born in North Carolina, Then the hard part make a walk way with the bricks or a wall with these bricks, make sure theres enough room to keep adding bricks from any future wars, which we all pray are none. I know i'm only one Vet. I'm sure that there are many more North Carolinas that would like to see our great state do something like this for our vets. Thank you Earnest Humphrey
Earnest Humphrey - 12/23/2011 8:45:46 PM EST
No related content found.
Most Popular Pages
-
No Top Articles
VIEW ALL GALLERIES
