Sedona AZ (March 19, 2015) – On March 30, 1973, all U.S. troops withdrew from Vietnam. There were no ticker-tape parades honoring the veterans, no triumphant marches or speeches as there had been at the end of each of the World Wars.

America’s Vietnam veterans returned home to silence, or worse, in some cases to denigration for having served their country during a controversial war. On March 30, 2011, the United States Senate officially designated Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day to honor all those who served honorably and bravely in Vietnam. The next year, in 2012, the Verde Valley began an annual tradition to host a Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Event.

Rotating each year to a different city or town in the Verde Valley, the 2015 event will be hosted by the Town of Clarkdale on Sunday, March 29. In addition to the other Verde Valley cities and towns, numerous veterans groups and others assist in coordinating the event each year.

The 2015 event kicks off with a Motorcycle Run which begins at the Sedona Military Service Park, 25 Northview Road, Sedona, on the corner of 89A and Northview Road and travels through all the communities in the Verde Valley. Bike Run Check-In begins at 9:00 a.m. at the Military Service Park, followed by a Flag Raising and Bike Blessing at 10:30 a.m. and Kick Stands Up at 11:00 a.m.

The Bike Run participants are expected to begin arriving at the Clarkdale Town Park by 12:15 p.m. and the community is encouraged to line the final leg of the route on Main Street between 9th and 11th Street to welcome them to Clarkdale.

The public is invited to the Clarkdale Town Park from Noon until 4:00 p.m. that day to join in honoring the sacrifices and contributions our Vietnam War Veterans made to protect the life, liberty and happiness of every American. A free BBQ will be open to the public (Bike Run participants and Veterans will be served first), and a Flag Raising Ceremony will take place at 1:00 p.m. Welcoming remarks will be offered immediately after the Flag Raising, and entertainment will follow.

The Town of Clarkdale encourages citizens from across the Verde Valley, and all veterans in the area, to attend this event. For more information on the Bike Run, contact 928-300-9829. For general event information, or to make a donation in support of the event, contact the Clarkdale Police Department at 928-649-7700.

Read www.SedonaEye.com for daily news and views!