2,500 yellow, helium-filled balloons will be released in the Quad Cites this weekend. They'll help local veterans and families remember the Vietnam War soldiers buried at the National Cemetery on Arsenal Island.
Director, Scott Lamb, says Saturday will be the National Cemetery's first ever ceremony commemorating the Vietnam War. And, it's especially important this year, on the war's 50th Anniversary.
He says retired US Marine Corps Major Lynn Lowder will be the keynote speaker. He served as a team leader with Special Operations in Vietnam, and is a national advocate for veterans.
Also at the ceremony, Lamb says every Vietnam War veteran will receive a lapel pin.
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The 50th Vietnam War Anniversary ceremony will be held Saturday, at 11 am, in the National Cemetery. Since the ceremony is considered a "special event," visitors will be allowed to drive onto the island without having to pass through special security.