By Rosalind Russell – A veteran who served in both the American Army in Vietnam and in the Canadian Navy is in Washington, District of Columbia, for a unique reunion of Vietnam vets marking the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War.
Richard W. Golden of Massey celebrated his 85th year with a unique trip to Washington for a gathering of Vietnam veterans.
Golden, who founded the Sgt. Charles Golden Veterans Rifle team in memory of his great-uncle who died in 1959, is also a past executive with the Massey Legion and the War Pensioners of Canada.
He has received honours from Vimy Ridge 108 Unit ANAVETS and Manitoulin-North Shore 176 ANAVETS of Canada, as well as the King Charles III Medal. The Washington trip recognizes his contributions on both sides of the border.
During the visit, the group visited various landmarks, including the Vietnam Memorial Wall and Arlington National Cemetery to observe the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
The itinerary also includes visits to the national memorials dedicated to World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War veterans.
Golden is also the recipient of a joint ANAVET award when his name was submitted by the ANAVET provincial president to the American Legion.
Golden joined the Royal Canadian Navy when he was seventeen, spending five years on board navy ships patrolling Arctic waters.
He was in Portland, Oregon, joining the US Army in 1967, did two tours in Vietnam, and those experiences led to his work advocating for veterans in both countries.
Photos: On Feb. 15, 2025, at the Renaissance Active Living Centre in Elliot Lake, MP Carol Hughes presented Richard Wayne Golden of Massey with a King Charles III Coronation medal for his service in the Royal Canadian Navy and the US Army and service in the community for all veterans. Photo provided by Carol Hughes. Photo of Wayne Golden when he was in the Canadian Navy – photo supplied.
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