Kelsey Klont
Editor
(Photo provided: Pictured above is the annual picnic from last year, with Bigboy waitresses surprising the veterans.)
Over the history of going to war, our country has gone to war for many scenarios, but none as challenging than that of the Vietnam War. This war, known as the ‘Working Mans War’ where Americans were on the line of duty, just like any wars, but without the support of their fellow Americans, and the difference? The level of appreciation they received and pride in the work that they, the soldiers, had done, the work that not everyone does. Throughout the course of time since then, Vietnam War veterans stick together and reminisce on the times that lightened their spirits overseas and share with each other their experience; veterans like the Eaton County Vietnam War veterans, a group of men who live in Eaton County and served in the Vietnam War.
What started this group, Eaton County Vietnam War veterans, as a monthly breakfast at Bigboy at 7:00 a.m. on the first Wednesday of every month, as a time to get to know each other and discuss their experiences of serving their country, has turned into an annual picnic held at Bennett Park where spouses are invited, great food is eaten, and a joyful time for their fellow veterans and spouses is had.
This annual picnic has been happening for close to seven years now and continues on this year with catering from Whistlepig Barbeque, on Saturday, August 23, at noon.
The picnic, as well as the monthly breakfast meetings, are times to talk only about the nice people and good times that were had over there. Enginemen Third Class in the U.S. Navy, Jerry Taylor, member of Eaton County Vietnam Veterans, telling me, “Myself and many others look forward to the breakfasts and the picnic a lot, it is a wonderful time that we can break the burden of the war and talk about the better times and experiences we had over there.”
If you are a Vietnam War veteran or if you know a Vietnam War veteran let them know of this upcoming picnic on August 23 at noon in Bennett Park, where they can meet with other war veterans. All veterans attending the picnic are asked to bring a dish to pass. Any veteran, no matter which war is welcome to attend the monthly breakfasts at the Charlotte Bigboy, beginning at 7:00 a.m. To all veterans, thank you for your service to your country.
