The 22nd annual Nam Jam is tomorrow Saturday Nov.7th at Kennedy Park. Starts at 9am and runs until 7pm. The event is free. The parking is free. Beer sales start at noon. The participating Bands are: The Rowdies/ Angel Perez Band/ Blue Horse Blues/ Sarge Lintecum/ Dirtnap/ Bobby Soto &Los Recuerdos/ and Steel Ribbon closing out with their traditional Santana set. Steel Ribbon is lead by one of VVA’s first presidents and retired KOVA photographer Jim Randall.
Nam Jam has become a signature event for southern Arizona veterans and many of our guests who travel to just spend the day in fellowship with their comrades.
As one of the early organizers and a Past President of VVA I can testify to the importance of our coming together as a family of common experiences. My adult children and my wife will also acknowledge how meaningful it has been for them to congregate with other children and spouses of Vietnam Vets.
While it is rumored that Nam Jam may be seeing its days, I for one think it should continue in some form as there remains to be quiet healing that occurs in silent ways at this event.
The Vietnam War altered this nation with an indelible ink. Our generation of men and women warriors continue to bring insights to the new the soldier, sailor and Marine combatant.That link is too important to not keep alive. In fact it is a linkage that gives the young troops meaning, even when it is absent. We know that path.
I would like to see a segue of Nam Jam into Sand Jam. The OEF/OIF Vets can take this 22 year tradition of gathering in solidarity and call it their own, and us Grampas can help them pour the beer!
Nam Jam is a trademarked name. Meaning this is one of a kind in Tucson.
For two decades Nam Jam proceeds have helped the homeless, families, dependents, widows and orphans of Veterans. They have worked diligently to educate the public about the truth of Agent Orange,(which still has untold effects) and the status of POW/MIA’s, a problem that has yet to be abated.
So, what do the readers of Veteran Veritas think about launching SAND JAM to join forces with Iraq and Afghan Veterans to keep the event alive and well for the next generation of veterans? Please comment. Mike
segue = to make a transition from one thing to another smoothly and without interruption
segway = a two-wheeled, self-balancing electric vehicle invented by Dean Kamen.
Thank you Mr.Tip. All bloggers need a good “William Saffire” in house. It is also not a good idea to write anything when fatigued. Now that I am rested, I will take my segway on out to Nam Jam for a day of fun and frollic
Ouch – Safire ? – that’s a low blow. I’ll be quite
Quiet
Yo Mike. Safire only has one “f”. And you left off a period! Knowing you, it was a trick eh? Have fun at the Jam.
Not having been to Vietnam, even as a tourist, I have not attended the festivities, but for those who were there, this must be something to look forward to.
BTW, Mike; modern English usage, unlike spelling, is less exact and many authorities now allow one to end a sentence with a preposition (“to look forward to”).
Have a good time.
Your usage of “segway” reminded me of a blog I wrote last year for the Tucson Citizen, entitled “Segue to a segway” — my funny way to writing about transportation modes and how the segway personal transporter would help segue us into the future. Have fun tomorrow Mike at Nam Jam.
Leftfield. Did you ever hear the joke about the “Aggie” who went to Harvard? He could not get anyone to answer him when he queried everyone he passed on campus, with the question, ” wheres the library at?’ Coupled with his Texas drawl, he was not getting a response from anyone. Exasperated he stops an upperclassman and blurts out,”Where is the Library at? At the same time asks the upperclassman why no one will help. In a supercilious manner the man says, “at HARVARD, we do no end a sentence in a preposition?
The Texan reframes his question, “Where is the Library at…asshole? !!