MT. PLEASANT — With stars and stripes lining Monroe Street and patriotic voices filling Veterans Hall, nearly 200 people gathered in Mt. Pleasant on March 29 to mark the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. The Vietnam Veterans Day Dinner coordinated by a team of dedicated local organizers and volunteers, honored those who served with food, ceremony, and deeply personal gestures of gratitude.

“It’s always such a heartwarming event to go to, to honor the sacrifices that these men and women have made, so we have the freedoms we do,” attendee Michelle Boyd commented about the event. “It was a good turnout. Thank you to all who had a part of putting this all together.”

The dinner honored 35 Vietnam-era veterans with heartfelt recognition, commemorative coins and, for a select few, handmade Quilts of Valor — works of love crafted by the Iowa Patriotic Stitchers. Additionally, the event featured keynote speaker Colonel (Ret.) Todd M. Jacobus, Director of the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs and Commandant of the Iowa Veterans Home. Jacobus, a three-time combat-deployed veteran and longtime National Guard leader, received a surprise Quilt of Valor following his remarks.

“I was surprised is an understatement. I did not know that was happening,” Jacobus said. “I was humbled and felt like there’s lots more people more deserving that I, but I am certainly honored, and so grateful to receive a Quilt of Valor at the conclusion of my comments,” Jacobus said. “The quilt presented to me is beautiful and I will treasure it always.”

The moment marked a highlight for many in the room, with several attendees noting how meaningful it was to see the quilts presented. Event organizer Bill Wixom said the quilts are always the most impactful part of the evening.

“It’s always an honor to give them away to vets that have earned them,” Wixom said. “Every veteran that gets one deserves it. I’d give away a thousand a day if I could.”

For Gary Tift, an Army veteran and Beirut bombing survivor who served as one of the primary event organizers alongside his wife and fellow veteran Rhonda, honoring fellow veterans isn’t just a duty — it’s personal. Tift donated a safe raffled off during the event to raise funds for the Quilts of Valor in Henry County. He and his wife also lined the street with flags and provided the flags from every branch of the military for the event.

“My back pocket is not big enough for veterans,” Tift said. “I would do anything for veterans, and I have for many, many years. I’m involved in helping veterans. If there are veterans in dire need, I’m there. What helps my PTSD is being in public and helping other veterans. That’s how I cope with my PTSD.”

Recognition was a central theme throughout the evening, from the youngest members of the community to its most seasoned heroes. Cub Scout Pack 28 and Girl Scout Troop 4089 from Stockport led the Pledge of Allegiance, underscoring the bridge between generations. Chaplain Steve Suddeth from the Iowa City VA offered the invocation and benediction, while Chazz Russell led a moving POW/MIA table ceremony. A poem by Art Tousignat, whose late wife Doris was in attendance, was also read.

“Vietnam Veterans Recognition Day at Veterans Hall in Mt. Pleasant was an outstanding event,” keynote speaker Jacobus said. “Thanks so much to those who organized and attended this event.”

Veteran James Onorato, born in 1938, was the oldest veteran in attendance and received a special tribute — a concrete flag yard ornament etched with a bald eagle and stars. Tift called this one of the most touching moments of the evening along with presenting the Vietnam Veterans with commemorative coins.

“The people weren’t expecting it,” he said. “We didn’t publicize it in advance. It was just something special we wanted to do for someone who served so long ago.”

While the evening celebrated service, it also brought attention to the behind-the-scenes efforts that made the event possible. Coordinators including Wixom, Tift, John Mikelson, Chazz Russell, Roger Pittsenbarger, and others worked for nearly a year to bring the dinner to life. The meal, smoked pork loin, was donated by the Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation/Iowa Select Farms and prepared by Amanda Draconis and Kim Bell, professional cooks from the West Point Care Center.

“The ladies from the auxiliary helped decorate and serve, and we had a whole team making sure everything ran smoothly,” Mikelson, who also served as emcee, said. “It was definitely a community effort.”

Mikelson said this year's turnout — nearly 200 people — exceeded expectations, especially considering other events scheduled around town that same evening. The event, originally launched several years ago, had been paused during the COVID-19 pandemic but returned last year and grew in scope this year to mark the Department of Defense’s official Vietnam War 50th Commemoration.

“This was the 50th and final year of the official commemoration window,” Mikelson said. “After this, communities will be on their own. But I think we’ve learned how to carry this forward. We’re part of something bigger, but we also made it our own.”

That community pride was evident in the number of returning attendees — and in new faces. According to Mikelson, one woman, a Vietnam-era veteran of the Women’s Army Corps, traveled from Cantril after spotting a flyer in a local grocery store.

“We’re doing a better job of getting the word out,” Mikelson said.

“It was an awesome event that was put on last night,” Mary Jorgensen commented. “It gets bigger and bigger every time this is put on to honor our veterans that survived the wars and those who have not. Great pictures and great food and the different ones who had helped honoring the ones who sacrificed so much for so little. Great job everyone. It was fantastic.”

The Quilt of Valor presentations, held near the end of the evening, were emotional. Alongside Jacobus, three other Vietnam-era veterans received quilts from Iowa Patriotic Stitchers, with funds raised that night helping cover the high cost of materials and time that go into crafting each unique creation.

“All those quilts are handmade, and all different,” Wixom said. “Those ladies do a wonderful job.”

The funds raised from the raffle — including proceeds from the safe donated by Tift — went directly to support the quilters. The gesture is emblematic of the event’s mission: to honor, uplift, and support veterans with tangible appreciation.

“These veterans are what keep us free,” Wixom said. “So anytime we can come together and honor them, we have to. That’s what matters.”

Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com