WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the entire delegation of North Carolina’s representatives in the United States Congress encouraged all Vietnam veterans, their families and friends, and all North Carolinians to reserve their free tickets to the “Vietnam Veterans Homecoming Celebration,” an event to honor veterans of the Vietnam War taking place at Charlotte Motor Speedway and hosted by the USO and the North Carolina Association of Broadcasters, along with Charlotte Motor Speedway. 

Senators Richard Burr and Kay Hagan and Congressmen G. K. Butterfield, Howard Coble, Rene Ellmers, Virginia Foxx, Walter Jones, Larry Kissell, Patrick McHenry, Mike McIntyre, Brad Miller, Sue Myrick, David Price, Heath Shuler, and Mel Watt joined together to support this important, long-overdue event honoring the brave Americans who served and sacrificed in the Vietnam War and never received the recognition and gratitude they deserved upon returning home.  Information on the event and quotes from members of the delegation can be found below.

WHAT: Vietnam Veterans Homecoming Celebration 2012

WHEN: March 31, 2012 (Doors open at 9am, opening ceremonies begin at 11am)

WHERE: Charlotte Motor Speedway

ENTERTAINMENT: The Charlie Daniels Band (Headline), George Clinton, Rockie Lynne, The 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band, The 82nd Airborne Division “All-American” Chorus, Master of Ceremonies - Chris Noel

MILITARY EXHIBITS, DISPLAYS & DEMONSTRATIONS:  U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute demonstration, U.S. Air Force Flyover, Flag Story from U.S. Army Color Guard and Flag Troops, Various military static displays from supporting NC military units and recruiters

RESERVE FREE TICKETS: For more information and to reserve free tickets, visit www.CharlotteMotorSpeedway.com/WelcomeHome.

Senator Richard Burr - “On March 31, our nations Vietnam veterans will gather in Charlotte for the inaugural Vietnam Veterans Homecoming Celebration.  This grand tribute applauding the courageous efforts of our Vietnam veterans and acknowledging the tremendous sacrifices they made to defend the freedoms we hold so dear is long overdue.  We owe it to our Vietnam veterans to thank them for their dedication, commemorate their service, and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.  I am proud that the inaugural tribute will take place in North Carolina, and hope that this celebration will be the first of many in the years to come.”

Senator Kay Hagan – “I am proud to pay tribute to the brave men and women who served in Vietnam. More than 58,000 troops never returned from Vietnam and those who came back did not receive the recognition they so deserved. My husband is a Vietnam veteran, and I'm aware of the trials that many of these men and women and their families endured on their return to the States.  We all owe them a huge debt of gratitude and I'm so proud that the inaugural "Vietnam Veterans Homecoming Celebration" is taking place in Charlotte to honor these heroes."

Rep. G. K. Butterfield – “As we celebrate Vietnam Veterans on this great occasion, let us not forget some 1,600 North Carolinians who lost their lives in battle.  This Homecoming gives us the chance to appropriately recognize all who bravely served.”

Rep. Howard Coble – “I am thrilled that North Carolina will be the site of a celebration that is long overdue and much appreciated.  It is well past the time that we honor those who served our nation so admirably in Vietnam.  I hope many veterans will attend so we can properly honor their service to our country.”

Rep. Virginia Foxx - "It is always right to show honor and respect to those who have served in our nation's military. The Vietnam Homecoming Celebration is a great occasion to pause and remember those who served, and be thankful for their commitment to our country," 

Rep. Larry Kissell – "North Carolina is home to so many folks who served in Vietnam. It is so fitting that we would have this long overdue recognition here. I'm so proud it is taking place in my district at the Charlotte Motor Speedway."

Rep. Patrick McHenry - "The Vietnam Veterans Homecoming promises to be a great event for our service members and their families.  Our veterans deserve the best care available and this event helps deliver on that promise, with excellent entertainment thrown in to thank them for their sacrifice.  There’s no better place to hold an event like this than North Carolina and Charlotte Motor Speedway."

Rep. Mike McIntyre - “This Vietnam Veterans Homecoming is a chance to remember and respect the courage and character of those who served bravely in Vietnam.  Let us never forget those that sacrificed so that we all may live free.  God bless this special day and the men and women who served us all.”

Rep. Brad Miller – “This Homecoming is a chance to pause and remember the noble service and high sacrifices of those who have worn our nation’s uniform.  It is a day of remembrance, rededication and a reminder that our nation should avoid the mistake of a generation ago by confusing politics with military service.”

Rep. Sue Myrick - "I'm grateful to the people who have worked so hard to honor our veterans and their families through this long overdue homecoming celebration. While we can never repay the debt of the sacrifices made by our men and women in uniform, this is a way of saying thank you to the Vietnam Veterans both in our state and across the country."

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