National Vietnam War Veterans Day — March 29 — will be marked this Friday with a special event in Cape Coral.

On Friday, the Lawrence Kearny Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will host the city’s United States of America Vietnam War 50th Commemoration “Service, Valor, and Sacrifice” service at Eco Park from 10 a.m. to noon.

“This is our chance to celebrate the Vietnam veterans and their sacrifices,” said Maryola Dannebaum, Regent, Lawrence Kearny DAR. “The mayor of Cape Coral will be in attendance and will present a proclamation along with three other DAR chapters in the area.”

Dannebaum said the event gives attendees the opportunity to pay respect to veterans.

“This is an opportunity to honor all who served in the Vietnam era and to show their love for their country, for those who gave and sacrificed for our freedoms,” said Dannebaum.

The event is expected to have 100 attendees and participants.

“I believe there may be a surprise flyover by local vets,” said Dannebaum. “Anyone who has gone to Eco Park knows that parking is an issue, carpool and get there early.

Those at Lawrence Kearny enjoy events like this and are always working to serve the community and the veterans who have served.

“This type of event raises awareness of the plight of our veterans and propels them to find ways to help. We at Lawrence Kearny have spent many hours helping our veterans over the years,” said Dannebaum. “We visit them at assisted living homes, sew quilts for them, and send Christmas cards to troops overseas. We honor them wherever we are needed.

Program and participants will include:

Welcome- Betsea Kinne, Commemorative Chair, Lawrence Kearny Chapter, NSDAR

Invocation- Lilian Schick, Chaplin, Lawrence Kearny Chapter, NSDAR

Color Guard- SAR Lighthorse Harry Lee Color Guard Commemorative Partner

Pledge of Allegiance- Katy Irlbeck

National Anthem- Kathy Jenkins, Veteran, and Soloist USAF Band.

Guns & Hoses- Consolidated First Responders

Introduction- Maryola Dannebaum, Regent Lawerence Kearny Chapter, NSDAR Recognize Regents of DAR Chapters and Members

City of Cape Coral Proclamation- John Gunter, Mayor

Special Guests- Betsea Kinne

Brotherhood of Heroes- Dr. Carol Rae Culliton, Founder-Gunterberg Foundation & Brotherhood of Heroes, Resource Center & Military Museum in Cape Coral

Missing Man Table- Maryola Dannebaum, Regent Lawrence Kearny Chapter, NSDAR

50th Commemoration- Dr. Virginia Harper, Regent, Caloosahatchee Chapter, NSDAR

The Symbolism of Lapel Pin- Patti Elkin, Regent, Estero Island Chapter, NSDAR

Gen. Dempsey Speech- Teri Peterson, Regent, USS Hannah Chapter, NSDAR

Presentation of Lapel Pins and Certificates by Regents: Lawrence Kearny Chapter, Caloosahatchee Chapter, Estero Island Chapter, and USS Hannah Chapter NSDAR Commemorative Partners.

Closing Remarks- Betsea Kinne

Benediction- Lilian Schick

“We at Lawrence Kearny take every opportunity to help our veterans, children in the community, and the less fortunate. We take pride in all we do, and we are so appreciative of all God has given us to be able to serve Cape Coral and Fort Myers,” said Dannebaum. “Our motto is God, Home, and Country.

Eco Park is behind the Coralwood Shopping Center, next to Veterans Memorial Parkway, at 2500 S.E. 24th St., Cape Coral.