The original Vietnam Veterans Day program for March 29 was
canceled due to deaths in the Ho-Chunk Nation community. However, United States Air Force Veteran
Ralph Snake wanted to take the time to honor the occasion with song and speech.
“When I heard they canceled this, out of respect for all the
men and women that are on the Vietnam Wall, I said, ‘Well, something has to be
done for them.’ So, I asked Forrest Funmaker if he could help me out today and
he said yes.”
The original event included flag raising, firing squad,
playing of TAPs, bringing in the colors, invocation, guest speakers, closing
remarks, retiring of the colors, and a meal. The noon impromptu ceremony included honor
songs sung by Forrest Funmaker, Patrick Hall, and Dana Houghton in the upstairs
atrium of the Tribal Office Building.
Veteran Ralph Snake spoke and presented the Eagle Staff.
“I’m sure others would have helped if they were given more
time but I want to thank each one of the family members here. Some of their relatives fought in Vietnam,”
shared Mr. Snake.
The Ho-Chunk Nation recognizes March 29, 1973, as the day
the United States of America officially withdrew all combat forces from South Vietnam.
President Marlon WhiteEagle proclaimed
March 29, 2022, as Vietnam Veterans Day.
Towards the end of the business day, President Marlon
WhiteEagle read the proclamation out front of the Tribal Office Building, and
Veteran Ralph Snake played TAPs.