Dedication of sandstone bench to Lyons Vietnam Vet (photos)
Ceremony honoring Mickey Hawkins
Gary Secrest and Rhonda (Harkalis) French were the organizers of the event. ~~~ Bill Ward’s Dad and Mickey’s Dad started Warhawk Campers in Lyons in the early ’60s ~~~ PHOTOS by Jerry Johnson.
The Lyons Alumni class of 1969 honored U.S. Marine Corps Private 1st Class Mickey Hawkins by dedicating an engraved sandstone bench in front of the Lyons Redstone Museum on June 25, 2022. He was Lyons only veteran who died in the Vietnam War.
Family and friends came from all over the United States to join the Honor Guard in the ceremony, which included the laying of the wreath, salute, taps, and benediction. Speakers were: Bill Ward (Bill’s Dad and Mickey’s Dad started Warhawk Campers in Lyons in the early 60s); Larry Edwards, long time friend of Mickey; Bryce Monaco, second-cousin of Mickey, active in the Coast Guard, pilot; Steve Hamilton, cousin of Mickey; and coordinators Rhonda French and Gary Secrest. The beautiful slab of sandstone was donated by Blue Mountain Stone, and engraved by Landmark Monuments. Thanks to all who donated their times, labor or funds! The program was put on as part of the Good Old Days weekend event.
Mickey died January 6, 1970, in the Vietnam War. He is buried in Mt. View Cemetery in Longmont. And, is honored on the list in the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The music for the dedication was an original cassette recording of Mickey’s band, jamming in 1969! Mickey was born in 1950, and initially lived in Longmont and California. In Lyons, Mickey was very active in the school choir, being president, as well as the Band Vice-president, and the drama club, the science club president, Letterman’s club, football, and basketball.
