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"They deserve some recognition." These simple yet profound words from Navy veteran John Kuykendall capture the essence of Hanford's upcoming Echoes of Courage celebration honoring Vietnam veterans 50 years after the war's end.

The weight of unspoken history fills our latest episode as we sit down with two local heroes who served during one of America's most controversial conflicts. Marine Corps Second Lieutenant Bill Zumwalt shares his experiences patrolling the dangerous "Rocket Belt" around Da Nang, while Navy veteran John Kuykendall recounts commanding the first ship-to-shore missiles ever fired in naval combat history during Operation Linebacker.

What makes these conversations particularly poignant is the shared experience of returning home to a nation that wasn't ready to honor their sacrifice. "When I came back home, I basically was told not to tell anyone I was a veteran," Zumwalt reveals. Kuykendall adds that after witnessing "people spitting on you in the airport," he avoided veteran organizations for decades until moving to Hanford, a community he describes as "so unique and so pro-veteran it changed my life."

This Saturday's parade and ceremony represent a long-overdue welcome home. The event begins at 10am with a parade from Douty and 8th Streets to the Civic Center Park, followed by an 11am ceremony featuring food trucks, a beer garden, and a car show. For veterans who were drafted or volunteered, who came home wounded physically or carrying invisible scars, this community recognition offers a healing moment five decades in the making.

Beyond veteran stories, we cover local news including updates from the Hanford City Council, community calendar events through early May, and a complete high school sports report covering baseball and softball action. We're also collecting teacher appreciation shout-outs for our special May 5th show – record yours at hanfordinsider.com or call 559-424-3345.

Subscribe to our newsletter for the most comprehensive community calendar available, and if you appreciate our local coverage, support us at buymeacoffee.com/HanfordInsider. These stories of service and sacrifice deserve to be heard – join us in honoring those who answered their country's call.

You can find the Hanford Insider at www.hanfordinsider.com and on social media at @hanfordinsider
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