Vietnam POWs coming to Upstate to celebrate 49th Year of Freedom – two events open to the public
May 18, 2022
In just a few weeks a group of more than 80 Vietnam POWs, family and special friends will come to Greenville for their 49thFreedom Reunion.
The National Organization of Former Vietnam POWs (nam-pows.org) includes men who served in the Air Force, Navy, Marines, and Army. These Veterans averaged more than five years of torture and inhumane treatment as POWs. Presently less than 400 remain alive out of the original 662 military POWs. Eleven of these men live in South Carolina.
Their reunion will be held from June 1-5 in Greenville. The event is hosted by the Vietnam POW Reunion Foundation founded by Upstate resident Brenda Stewart. As part of the reunion two events are open to the public.
On Tuesday, May 31st seven of the former POWs will present the Vietnam POW Symposium – Leadership and Life Lessons from Hanoi Hilton. The POWs will share their experiences and how they turned their imprisonment into an opportunity for growth, leadership and teamwork. The event will be held at the Poinsett Club from 3:00-5:15 and tickets are $25 per person. Seating is limited so click HERE to get your ticket.
On Friday, June 3rd the POWs will head to Fluor Field. There is no baseball game, but the stadium is the perfect backdrop for this “Salute to America.” The public is encouraged to come out to the ballpark and join the POWs in an evening of fun and patriotism. Bring the family out to Fluor Field for a complimentary community event (contributions suggested). The evening will include special entertainment as a flag jump takes off in a helicopter and then lands in the stadium. Continued programing includes Miss Liberty Belle, a patriotic fly over, and a special guest Steve Amerson (America’s Tenor) performing “Amazed by America” accompanied by Broadway singer, Laurie Gayle Stephenson. The night will end with fireworks! Click HERE to get your complimentary tickets and come join the fun!
Come out and be a part of history and celebrate these American heroes.
