Menifee to Honor Vietnam Veterans at 5th Annual Welcome Home Ceremony

The city will host a ceremony to recognize Vietnam veterans and their families.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 9:09am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The City of Menifee is hosting the 5th Annual Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Ceremony on Thursday, March 26, at 10 a.m. at Paloma Valley High School. The event will feature a welcome reception, formal ceremony, photo and artifact exhibit, resource booths, and a special giveaway for Vietnam veterans in attendance. The keynote speaker will be Medal of Honor recipient John Philip Baca, who served in the Vietnam War.

Why it matters

This annual ceremony provides an opportunity for the Menifee community to honor and thank Vietnam veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice. It also helps raise awareness of the challenges faced by Vietnam veterans and the ongoing efforts to support them.

The details

The Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Ceremony is hosted in partnership with Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 47, VFW Post 1956, and Paloma Valley High School. The formal ceremony will be live-streamed on Menifee TV and the city's YouTube channel. Vietnam veterans are encouraged to participate in the event and send in service photos to be featured.

  • The 5th Annual Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Ceremony will be held on Thursday, March 26, 2026 at 10 a.m.
  • The formal ceremony will be live-streamed on Menifee TV and the city's YouTube channel.

The players

John Philip Baca

A Medal of Honor recipient and United States Army Specialist Fourth Class who served in the Vietnam War and saved the lives of eight fellow soldiers. After serving in the military, Baca pursued a career as a Veterans Affairs Benefits Counselor and later returned to Vietnam to help build a friendship clinic alongside his former comrades.

Dean Deines

A Menifee City Councilmember who stated that the annual event gives the community the opportunity to honor and welcome home Vietnam veterans.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This annual event gives our community the opportunity to honor and give a proper welcome home to our Vietnam Veterans. It is a time where we can personally thank them and their families for their service and sacrifice to our country.”

— Dean Deines, Menifee City Councilmember

What’s next

Vietnam veterans who would like to participate in the event or learn more information can contact the Menifee Community Services Department.

The takeaway

The 5th Annual Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Ceremony in Menifee is an important community event that recognizes the service and sacrifice of Vietnam veterans, providing them with a long-overdue welcome home and an opportunity to connect with resources and support.