The Bonita Museum & Cultural Center is collecting stories and memorabilia from South San Diego Vietnam Veterans for its upcoming exhibition Vietnam Veterans, We Thank You.
The exhibition is slated to open on March 9 and will run through April 29 at the Bonita Museum & Cultural Center. An Honor Ceremony for Vietnam Veterans will take place on March 25 at 11 a.m. at the Bonita Veterans Memorial next to the museum, welcoming all veteran's families and community members to attend.
According to event organizers, members of the Daughters of the American Revolution will present commemorative puns to the Vietnam Veterans during the honor ceremony. There will be a reception and community resources for veterans at the event.
The exhibition and honor ceremony comes as March 29 marks National Vietnam War Veterans Day.
Curator and Marine Corps veteran Heather Gallant said the exhibit will focus largely on veterans and less on the historical events of the war.
“Though it is important to remember the historical events of the war, there is something more important to remember, our honorable Veterans who served. Veterans of the Vietnam War did not receive the appreciation they deserved when they came home, and it’s time to make sure they know that they’re appreciated. This exhibit will honor our local Veterans' stories, and Vietnam War history and honor the fallen. Everyone knows about the war, so I feel it's most important to highlight Vietnam Veterans themselves. It is important to acknowledge that these veterans are not just another uniform but a neighbor. Vietnam Veterans need to know that they are important and that we value their service,” Gallant said in a statement.
The Bonita Museum & Cultural Center is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Information about the exhibition and programming can be found on the website at www.bonitahistoricalsociety.org. Those interested in collaborating with the curator for the exhibit can contact the museum at 619-267-5141 or via an online form at bonitahistoricalsociety.org/contact-us .
The museum is located at 4355 Bonita Road, Bonita California. Exhibitions are free and open to the public.
