Brinkman’s loved ones to accept flag on behalf of late veteran
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Carolyn Brinkman of Bellefontaine sits at the Vietnam War Memorial at Mary Rutan Park with a painting of her husband Mike Brinkman made by a Vietnamese native while he served in the U.S. Army. The late Mr. Brinkman, who was a key figure in getting the permanent Vietnam memorial at Mary Rutan, is being honored posthumously Saturday in connection with Vietnam Veterans Day. (EXAMINER PHOTO | REUBEN MEES) |
Despite being a two-time Purple Heart recipient for his service in the Vietnam War, the late Mike Brinkman never really liked being honored.
In fact, he declined several offers to be recognized at the annual Vietnam Veterans Day ceremony that is now officially celebrated on March 29.
But with his passing on May 12, 2015, his widow Carolyn decided it was time her late husband receive the honor he wouldn’t accept personally.
“I think he’d be mad at me,” Mrs. Brinkman said. “The first year they did the Vietnam veterans honor, he told them ‘no’ — that they could find someone who deserved it more.
“He didn’t want to be in the lamplight, but now I’m making him be in the lamplight because he did deserve it.”
Read complete story in Thursday’s Examiner.
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