By Hala Fadhil
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the beginning of the Vietnam War, and this coming Friday, October 19th, at the end of halftime during the Lincoln High vs. Grand Island football game, Lincoln High will be recognizing those former LHS students who served in the armed forces during the Vietnam War (1961-1975.)
Nearly 1,000 Lincoln High students served throughout the war, and many will be returning for this event.
Beginning at 5 p.m., there will be a tailgate party on the front grounds of Lincoln High providing hot dogs, chips, beverages, and cookies for the veterans and their families.
Towards the end of halftime the Vets who attend will assemble at the North end of Scott Track and parade in front of the stadium seats behind the AFJROTC and the flags of the five branches of service.
“They will assemble en masse, come to attention, and an announcement will be read concerning their service,” LHS E-Learning teacher Richard Conradt said. “Then names of the KIA from Lincoln High will be read.”
The LHS Marching Band has also been practicing a special song for the event.
Conradt, who is helping to find volunteers for the tailgate event, added, “There will be a couple of surprises.”
Lincoln High is sponsoring this event, and Principal Mike Wortman has helped steer the process, Conradt said. Athletic Director Pat Gatzmeyer and Athletic Department Secretary LaDona Claus are providing much of the refreshments for the tailgate, as well as setting the itinerary of the event.
“People can help by coming to the game and show their support,” Conradt said.
If you’d like to do more, contact Richard Conradt at: rconradt@lps.org.
