NC Broadcasters Event To Honor Vietnam Vets

Two years ago Sen. Richard Burr (R-N.C.) and the North Carolina Association of Broadcasters decided the time had come for North Carolina’s Vietnam Veterans to finally receive the recognition they so richly deserve. Partnering with USO North Carolina, the nation’s oldest USO organization, and Victory Management/Charlotte Motor Speedway, the event they’ve been working on has grown into what the groups say will be the largest recognition of Vietnam Veterans in history. It takes place this Saturday, March 31.

“This celebration is the result of a great partnership,” said John Idler, president of the North Carolina Association of Broadcasters. “We can’t say enough good things about USO of North Carolina, Victory Management at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, and of course Senator Burr, the driving force. Not only is the event, itself, historic, the State’s radio and TV stations will be broadcasting the event across the State “live” and providing various special broadcasts saluting Vietnam Veterans before and after the broadcast.” In addition to donating airtime, North Carolina television and radio stations contributed over $1 million in public service announcements to promote free tickets for all veterans and their families.

Because ticket requests continue to be in high demand, John Faulkenbury, president of USO North Carolina, announced that all veterans will be admitted to the program — with or without a ticket.

Gates at the Charlotte Motor Speedway open Saturday, March 31, at 9 a.m. Events will begin at 10:45 a.m., with the live broadcast starting at 3 p.m.