Utes honor Vietnam veterans

Southern Ute Vietnam Veteran and Association Commander, Howard Richards Sr. spoke to attendees at the Vietnam Veterans Day celebration on Tribal Campus, Tuesday, March 29. Richards served in the U.S. Army 9th Infantry Division in Vietnam.

Vietnam Veterans, Tim Watts and Pete Vigil had the honor of placing the ceremonial wreath — a formal presentation that coincides with the Southern Ute Veterans Day celebration in Veterans Memorial Park.

Ute Mountain Ute Vietnam Veteran, Terry Knight, of Towaoc, Colo. sang both the Honor Song and the Flag Song as part of the recognition ceremony held in Ignacio. Knight served in the U.S. Air Force.

Southern Ute Veteran Rod Grove shared his thoughts and memories as a combat veteran returning from Vietnam in the ‘60s, and the impact that it has had on his life —both positive and negative. Grove served in the U.S. Army, 25th Infantry Division in Vietnam.

The Southern Ute Tribal Council attended the ceremony to pay their respects to the Ute veterans and thank them for their service overseas.

The playing of the “Taps” was performed by Southern Ute Vietnam Veteran, Ronnie C. Baker, who served in Vietnam in the U.S. Army 101st Airborne. Southern Ute Veterans Association members in attendance, who served in Vietnam, received certificates of recognition during the ceremony.

Southern Ute Vietnam Veteran, Tim Watts, also served in the 101st Airborne during the Vietnam Conflict.

The National Anthem was performed by Marlena B. Valdez, the outdoor celebration was well attended by families and supporters.

Jeremy Wade Shockley | SU Drum

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Fri Apr 8th, 2022 , by Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum

The Vietnam Veterans Day celebration was held at Southern Ute Veterans Memorial Park in Ignacio, Tuesday, March 29. Hosted by the Southern Ute Veterans Association, the event brought veterans, families, and tribal dignitaries together for this day of recognition, remembrance. Howard Richards Sr. served as Master of Ceremonies, joined by Southern Ute and Ute Mountain Ute Vietnam veterans, reflecting on their experiences in Vietnam, and the impact it has had on their lives and their generation.