Honoring Our Heroes
Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce hosts sold-out tribute event to ‘Welcome Home’ Vietnam veterans
In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the conclusion of the Vietnam Conflict, the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce proudly hosted Honoring Our Heroes: Welcome Home, a tribute to Vietnam veterans with a three-day event that brought together more than 440 attendees for a sold-out celebration of service, sacrifice, and patriotism.
“The sold-out crowd clearly demonstrated that our community absolutely wanted to recognize our Vietnam Veterans and show our appreciation,” says Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce president Ted Corcoran. “It was an unforgettable tribute.”
Over 100 Vietnam Veterans attended the event, many wearing their Vietnam hats, jackets, and pins proudly—a powerful symbol of their service and sacrifice. The event featured panel discussions with firsthand stories, book signings, historical presentations, and a commemorative banquet that culminated in a celebration that felt deeply personal and long overdue.
The updated schedule included:
April 28-29: Stories of Service—A Reflection on Vietnam
Held at the Air Force Armament Museum, these educational evenings featured book signings, historical presentations, and panel discussions with Vietnam veterans. One of the most moving aspects of the panels was seeing attendees—both adults and fellow Vietnam veterans—asking the panelists for autographs. “The Vietnam Veterans have become—and deservedly so—Rock Stars,” Corcoran says. “To see that level of admiration and respect being exchanged between veterans was truly heartwarming.”
April 30: Heroes’ Tribute Banquet—Honoring Our Vietnam Veterans
The commemorative banquet at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Fairgrounds & Event Center featured keynote speaker Rocky Bleier, a four-time Super Bowl champion and Vietnam veteran; featured speaker Col. Ed Hubbard; and special guest Dale Dye, actor, author, and military film consultant. The event honored the Vietnam veterans with stories of heroism, resilience, and lasting camaraderie.
Corcoran noted his favorite part was not only the incredible firsthand stories—which were recorded and will be promoted on the Chamber’s website soon—but also the emotional atmosphere 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,” Corcoran says. “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.”
“Our Chamber—our community—loves our military,” Corcoran emphasizes. “I brought my grandchildren so they could witness history firsthand and understand the importance of honoring those who served.”
Thanks to generous sponsors, financial assistance was provided to ensure that every
local veteran who wanted to attend had the opportunity.
Although the event has concluded, its impact continues. Highlights and video recordings of the panels will be available soon at FWBchamber.org.
About Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce
The Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce is a community development organization that advocates for businesses across Okaloosa County, creating greater opportunities for all. The Chamber brings together the business, non-profit, governmental, and cultural leaders of our area, which strengthens local business and enhances the quality of life in our community. The Chamber offers business promotion, advocacy on local issues, exposure to its members, and various opportunities to serve the community.
