REFLECTIONS

Looking upward into the sky, U.S. Army nurse Valerie Buchan, of Henning, Minn., now 90 years of age reflects on her time as a nurse in Vietnam.

“They came from everywhere,” recalls the Minnesota nurse relating her memorable experiences while serving in Vietnam.

Valerie was fortunate to win the game of straws where she could almost hear the reverberation of the helicopter blades as the skies filled with choppers.

Nurse Valerie was one of nearly 600 who attended a special gathering at the Forest Lake American Legion on a gloomy Sunday afternoon. The purpose of the March 30 get-together was to give American service men and women the “Welcome Home” they never received.

It was a volatile time.

The Vietnam veterans in attendance were welcomed home by a special guest, songstress/actress Ann-Margret. The Swedish-born entertainer was most noted and remembered for her USO tour appearances in 1968 and again in 1969 with comedian Bob Hope. She left American soldiers spellbound as she departed the stage.

Ann-Margaret was also the featured attraction on the special Bob 1969 Hope Christmas program.

Troop leaders were thrilled to allow their troops an opportunity to see a professional entertainer at work. The women nurses were especially appreciative.

Nurse Valerie said she was most impressed to see and hear the men and women sing “Silent Night.”

The women of today were often forgotten. Ann-Margaret changed that.

Kim Heikila has written a book entitled “Sisterhood of War, Minnesota Women in Vietnam.” Get it at your local library.