Gold Star Families Honored by Chapter 776

Chapter 776 of Bettendorf, IA held a remembrance ceremony and luncheon with Gold Star families on Armed Forces Day at the Davenport American Legion.

The luncheon was organized by the 50th Commemoration Committee of Chapter 776 and paid tribute to their fallen brethren. Present were about 75 family members representing 20 KIA and one MIA.

Chaplain and guest speaker Col. Jeffrey Zust remarked that the occasion was an opportunity to remember and honor the men and women who fought in the Vietnam War. He shared personal stories about the loss he experienced among comrades.

Gold Star family members shared mementos such as a Western Union telegram that delivered the news that the family had sustained a loss from the war. Other mementos included pictures and letters from the battlefield, some of which were mounted on a slide show.

Many members recalled that after the controversial war, little was done to support Gold Star families. The luncheon was a part of the chapter’s commitment to create events to bring recognition to the 50th Commemoration of the Vietnam War.

The 228 members of Chapter 776 meet the fourth Wednesday of the month and more information can be found at www.vva776.org.

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