<h3>By Bob Sofaly</h3>
A cool sea breeze off the Beaufort River on Aug. 12 kept the temperature and humidity down for more than 300 people who gathered to pay tribute to Beaufort’s Vietnam war veterans at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park.

Included in the festivities were displays of period military memorabilia provided from the personal collection of Sgt. Maj. Dave Robles, USMC retired, and displays from the American Red Cross and other veterans' groups.

The evening was made complete with a free concert by the Parris Island Marine Band and Beaufort’s own Katie McAllister, who sang several songs with the band, including the National Anthem.

The event was sponsored by the Healing Heroes of the Lowcountry Fund and the city of Beaufort.

“It was fantastic. The band was amazing and the turnout was very good,” according to Donnie Beer, event coordinator for the Healing Heroes of the Lowcountry Fund.

“We are really looking forward to our next event at the waterfront park: the observance of the 15th anniversary of the terrorist attack on Sept. 11, 2001," said Beer.

<em>Top photo: Katie McAllister sings the National Anthem with the Parris Island Marine Band. Photo by Bob Sofaly.</em>

[caption id="attachment_29603" align="aligncenter" width="2790"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/vietnam1.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-29603"><img class="size-full wp-image-29603" src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/vietnam1.jpg" alt="Master Sgt. Daniel Sullivan conducts the Parris Island Marine Band at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park during an event honoring Beaufort’s Vietnam veterans. Photo by Bob Sofaly." width="2790" height="3915" /></a> Master Sgt. Daniel Sullivan conducts the Parris Island Marine Band at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park during an event honoring Beaufort’s Vietnam veterans. Photo by Bob Sofaly.[/caption]