Maryland Public Television to honor Vietnam Veterans

Video produced by Brian Fisher

Maryland’s economic development community is proud to claim several Vietnam veterans among its ranks. Among them are two Marines – Mike Hayes, managing director of military and federal affairs at the Maryland Department of Commerce, and Bob Hannon, president and CEO of Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation – and Army veteran Vernon Thompson, who now serves as executive vice president of Howard County Economic Development Authority.

They’re among the thousands of Marylanders who served the nation during the Vietnam War, and who will be celebrated by Maryland Public Television (MPT) during LZ Maryland, being held this weekend at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium.

LZ Maryland will offer reunion lounges where those who served may be reunited with their comrades. In the Veteran Services Village, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and state agencies will provide information on a variety of assistance, resources, and opportunities available to Vietnam vets.

Empty chairs – set up in the fairgrounds infield – will pay silent tribute to the 1,017 Marylanders who were either killed or are still missing in action. The Wall of Faces will display photos of those lost during the conflict. An “honor ride” – with more than 800 motorcycles – will commemorate the fallen on an 11-mile procession from American Legion Post 22 in Towson to the fairgrounds.

The two-day event will also feature a gallery of artifacts from the war; a Writers Hooch with authors, exhibits, and books on the war and the era; a screening room showing films about Vietnam; and performances by Vietnam-era bands.

For Vietnam veterans and their families, for history buffs, and for those who simply wish to honor those who served, LZ Maryland is an event you won’t want to miss.

WHAT:
LZ Maryland, honoring Maryland’s Vietnam veterans

WHEN:
Saturday, June 18, 2016; 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Sunday, June 19, 2016; 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

WHERE:
Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Road, Timonium, MD

ADMISSION:
Free for veterans, active-duty military, and Gold Star families
$5 for adults and children over age 12
Free for children age 12 and under

TICKETS:
Available at Wegmans Food Market; online, or at the gate (cash only)

INFO:
http://vietnam.mpt.org/lzmaryland/

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