Shoreline Community College is proud to announce the College, led by the Veterans Program and the Global Affairs Center, is a Commemorative Partner of the USA Vietnam War Commemoration. As a Commemorative Partner, the College will host two free community events yearly involving veterans who served in the Vietnam War. The partnership lasts three years.
The College’s first partnership event is Tues., May 23 from 7-8:30 p.m. in the PUB (9000 building), room 9208. The event is a panel discussion with military veterans from the Vietnam War titled “We Were Soldiers Once.” The discussion will focus on the experience of Vietnam War veterans during and after the war, as well as their reflections on the commemoration accorded to veterans for their service. The event is free and open to the public and was organized by the GAC and the Veterans Program, with close assistance from the office in charge of the USA Vietnam War Commemoration.
Panelists will include three U.S. veterans of the Vietnam conflict: Bruce Crandall, Colonel, U.S. Army (ret.) (1953-1977); Joe Crecca, Major, U.S. Air Force (ret.) (1964 to 1978); and Joe Galloway, Newspaper Correspondent and Journalist. The discussion will be moderated by Andrew Ringlee, Ph.D, Historian, U.S. Vietnam War Commemoration. More information about the speakers can be found on the GAC’s speaker biographies page.
With the College’s strong Veterans Program (recognized as a Best for Vets school by Military Times) and commitment to supporting and recognizing veteran students, becoming a Commemorative Partner was a natural fit.
“We are excited to be able to honor our Vietnam veterans by providing a forum for them to share their experiences and their knowledge through this partnership,” said Missy Anderson, Veterans Program Coordinator at Shoreline. “We also welcome the precedent this sets in establishing our college as a place where veterans programming is highlighted and the opportunities that creates for future events recognizing the service of all veterans, who have served in various conflicts, as well as their families.”
“We are so thrilled to embark on this partnership with the USA Vietnam War Commemoration,” said Larry Fuell, Director of the Global Affairs Center at Shoreline. “It affords students a rare opportunity to engage with veterans involved with a truly pivotal conflict in US history, and to gain a deeper understanding of both the local and global impact of that event.”
Learn more about Veterans programming and the Global Affairs Center at Shoreline Community College.
About the USA Vietnam War Commemoration: In 2008, the U.S. Congress authorized the Secretary of Defense to conduct a program to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War (November 1, 1955 – May 15, 1975). By Presidential Proclamation, the Commemoration extends from Memorial Day 2012 to Veterans Day 2025. The primary objective of the Commemoration is to thank and honor Vietnam veterans and their families on behalf of the nation for their service and sacrifice. The four remaining objectives highlight the service of our Armed Forces and support organizations during the war; pay tribute to wartime contributions at home by American citizens; highlight science and medical advances made during the war; and recognize contributions by our Allies.