Hoyer Hosts Vietnam War Commemoration Ceremony
BOWIE, MD – Ahead of Memorial Day, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) hosted a kick-off ceremony for the Vietnam War Commemoration Initiative in the Fifth Congressional District. At the event, he participated in a medal presentation ceremony for Colonel William “Bill” Holmes III with Maryland Secretary of Veterans Affairs George W. Owings III and Major General James Jackson, Director of the Vietnam War Commemoration. Among the medals Colonel Holmes earned are the Silver Star, the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Army Commendation Medal, the Bronze Star, and the Purple Heart.
“I was honored to participate in today’s ceremony and honor the memory of those we lost during the Vietnam War,” said Congressman Hoyer. “I was particularly honored to present Colonel Holmes with medals for his distinguished service, which had not been presented to him before. Colonel Holmes served two tours in Vietnam, and since his retirement from the United States Army in 1987, he has been active in helping young veterans returning from war.”
“We must not forget the sacrifice made by our Vietnam veterans,” continued Congressman Hoyer. “Fifty years after returning home, we give thanks for the veterans of the Vietnam generation. I am proud to represent a number of veterans in Maryland’s Fifth District, and I thank them for their service to our nation.”