Novato Group To Commemorate Vietnam Veterans Day

NOVATO, CA — A Novato group will commemorate National Vietnam War Veterans Day on Monday.

The 51-50 Foundation is hosting the private event, which will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. at 150 Ford Way.

The annual event is open exclusively to Vietnam War veterans.

The 51-50 Foundation is providing food and beverages at the event.

Space is limited at the 51-50 Foundation Club and COVID-19 guidelines will be adhered to at the event, 51-50 Founder Tony Lazzarini told Patch.

The event aims to provide an outlet for Vietnam War veterans who returned to an unwelcoming nation after the war. Many have been haunted by physical injuries and PTSD throughout their lives.

“Many of them became withdrawn from their communities, and even families,” said Lazzarini, himself a Vietnam War veteran.

“They sought relief through stealth and solitude.”

Many veterans have connected online over the years and established a “brotherhood,” Lazzarini said.

Monday’s event provides veterans an opportunity to celebrate their brotherhood.

“This helped discard a lot of the negative feelings some us retained over the years in regards to the lack of support from our own country,” Lazzarini said.

“The remaining Vietnam Veterans today continue to keep this Brotherhood alive.to share experiences and remember those whose names now are etched on a granite wall in Washington D.C.”