Vietnam veterans to be honored Sunday

All Vietnam veterans in Hot Springs, Washakie, Park and Fremont Counties are invited to a Bandaid for the Heart Pin ceremony that helps with the emotional healing of Vietnam vets. It will be held at the Thermopolis VFW Post #2281 located at 302 Broadway St. on Sunday, June 30 from 1:30-4 p.m.

Thermopolis resident Amie Toyne and her brother-in-law, retired Air Force Major Mike Toyne, will give a brief talk and present the pins to the attending Vietnam veterans.

Amie attended a ceremony in Iowa where Mike gave pins to Vietnam veterans and felt it needed to happen here. Her husband, Leon Toyne, was a Vietnam veteran who served in the Army. He passed away in 2018.

Refreshments will be available and there will be a meal following the presentation of the pins.

For adequate seating, please RSVP by June 27 with the name of the veteran and the number of people in the party attending by calling or texting Amie at (307) 388-4865 or by emailing amieptoyne@gmail.com.

History

In 2001, Monica Harvey from Stapleton, Neb., witnessed a Veterans Day Parade and was so moved by the Vietnam Veterans she found a special way to recognize them. Her way was the Bandaid for the Heart Pin, which was made from the same metal used for Dog Tags and was designed to heal their heart from they way they were treated when they returned home.

Monica, who became known as “Little Sister” felt compelled to recognize veterans and handed out the pins with the words “Welcome home, big brother, from Little Sis” and “It’s been a long time coming’…Welcome Home”.

Over the years, Monica wept with, prayed with, gave hugs, and gave Vietnam veterans a welcome home that was so long in coming and she had an angelic voice that helped heal damaged hearts. Monica’s presentation always ended with the words “Let them never be forgotten,” and believed it is never to late to welcome a Vietnam veteran home. She passed away in 2019, but her mission continues.