Close Menu
  • Home
  • COMMUNITY NEWS
  • LOCAL NEWS & EVENTS
  • SCHOOL NEWS
  • MILITARY NEWS
  • CRIME / PUBLIC SAFETY
  • THINGS TO DO
  • HEALTH & WELLNESS
  • HOME & GARDEN
  • NORTHWEST FLORIDA NEWS
  • FLORIDA NEWS
  • Contact
Facebook
Facebook X (Twitter) YouTube
Niceville.com
Niceville.com
Home»COMMUNITY NEWS»Vietnam veterans called “rock stars” at Fort Walton Beach tribute
COMMUNITY NEWS

Vietnam veterans called “rock stars” at Fort Walton Beach tribute

Niceville.comMay 13, 2025Updated:May 13, 20253 Mins Read
Vietnam veterans hold commemorative aircraft posters at tribute event
Vietnam veterans honored with signed commemorative posters during the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce’s “Welcome Home” tribute event. (Contributed)

FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. — A three-day sold-out tribute brought hundreds together in Fort Walton Beach to honor Vietnam veterans on the 50th anniversary of the conflict’s end.

The Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce hosted the event, called Honoring Our Heroes: Welcome Home, drawing more than 440 attendees in a celebration of service, sacrifice, and patriotism.

Advertisement
Smiling couple holding Eglin Federal Credit Union Mastercard with promotional rate

More than 100 Vietnam veterans took part in the tribute, many wearing their hats, jackets, and pins with pride. The event included panel discussions, historical presentations, book signings, and a commemorative banquet described by organizers as “deeply personal and long overdue.”

Held April 28–30, the event began with Stories of Service – A Reflection on Vietnam at the Air Force Armament Museum. Over two evenings, attendees heard firsthand accounts from veterans and lined up for autographs afterward.

“The Vietnam veterans have become—and deservedly so—rock stars,” said Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce President Ted Corcoran.

“To see that level of admiration and respect being exchanged between veterans was truly heartwarming.”

Advertisement
A square digital ad for Midbay Veterinary Hospital with multiple dogs of different breeds, a blue veterinary cross logo, Dr. Maya Chapman’s contact information, and a “Click” button for scheduling an appointment.

On April 30, the Heroes’ Tribute Banquet took place at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Fairgrounds + Event Center. It featured keynote speaker Rocky Bleier, a four-time Super Bowl champion and Vietnam veteran, as well as Col. Ed Hubbard and military film consultant Dale Dye.

Mr Corcoran said the most emotional part of the night wasn’t just the powerful stories, but the sense of unity and reverence in the room.

“This event was much more than just a tribute—it was a celebration of a generation that deserves to be called The Greatest Generation,” he said.

“Tom Brokaw’s book The Greatest Generation was written about WWII veterans in 1998. Twenty-seven years later, it’s time we recognize that our Vietnam vets have stepped into that same legacy.”

Advertisement
A horizontal digital banner for Midbay Veterinary Hospital featuring a dog and a cat, a blue veterinary cross logo, contact details for Dr. Maya Chapman, and a call-to-action button that says "Click" to make an appointment

Corcoran also brought his grandchildren to the event.

“Our Chamber—our community—loves our military,” he said.

“I wanted them to witness history firsthand and understand the importance of honoring those who served.”

Thanks to generous sponsors, the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce was able to provide financial assistance to ensure that every local veteran who wanted to attend could do so.

Event organizers say video highlights and recordings from the panels will be available soon at FWBchamber.org.

Audience gathers at Vietnam tribute event inside Air Force Armament Museum
Community members attend an educational panel at the Air Force Armament Museum during the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce’s Vietnam Veterans tribute. (Contributed)
Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
Previous ArticleState Road 85 and 123 to close during Eglin testing missions
Next Article Teen firearm safety camps coming to Valparaiso range

Related Posts

Family, colleagues, and community members gather with the Okaloosa County School Board to honor Dr. Ginny Morgan with the naming of Ruckel Middle School’s cafetorium.

Ruckel Middle School cafetorium named for late principal Dr. Ginny Morgan

August 26, 2025
Large group of volunteers stand behind hundreds of Bags of Hope for foster children in Northwest Florida.

Niceville-Valparaiso Kiwanis delivers support to foster children in need

August 26, 2025
air force vessel moving through the water

Munitions test to close Gulf waters south of Fort Walton Beach Aug. 26

August 26, 2025
Advertisement
Smiling couple holding Eglin Federal Credit Union Mastercard with promotional rate
Categories
  • COMMUNITY NEWS
  • CRIME / PUBLIC SAFETY
  • FLORIDA NEWS
  • HEALTH & WELLNESS
  • HOME & GARDEN
  • IT'S GEEK TO ME
  • LARRY WILLIAMS
  • LOCAL NEWS & EVENTS
  • MARKETPLACE NEWS
  • MILITARY NEWS
  • NORTHWEST FLORIDA NEWS
  • OUTDOORS
  • ROADS / TRANSPORTATION
  • SCHOOL NEWS
  • THINGS TO DO
Advertisement
Smiling couple holding Eglin Federal Credit Union Mastercard with promotional rate
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
  • EGLIN FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
  • EYEWEAR UNLIMITED
  • HAIR EXPRESS
  • MIDBAY VETERINARY HOSPITAL
  • NICEVILLE FARMERS MARKET
  • NICEVILLE INSURANCE AGENCY
  • RUCKEL PROPERTIES, INC.
  • THE WHARF 850
Advertisement
Categories
  • COMMUNITY NEWS
  • CRIME / PUBLIC SAFETY
  • FLORIDA NEWS
  • HEALTH & WELLNESS
  • HOME & GARDEN
  • IT'S GEEK TO ME
  • LARRY WILLIAMS
  • LOCAL NEWS & EVENTS
  • MARKETPLACE NEWS
  • MILITARY NEWS
  • NORTHWEST FLORIDA NEWS
  • OUTDOORS
  • ROADS / TRANSPORTATION
  • SCHOOL NEWS
  • THINGS TO DO
Advertisement
A square digital ad for Midbay Veterinary Hospital with multiple dogs of different breeds, a blue veterinary cross logo, Dr. Maya Chapman’s contact information, and a “Click” button for scheduling an appointment.
Advertisement

ABOUT NICEVILLE.COM

PRIVACY POLICY

TERMS OF SERVICE

© 2025 Niceville.com. All Rights Reserved.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.