WARSAW — Kosciusko Honor & Remember will observe “Agent Orange Day” at 10 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 10, at Oakwood Cemetery. 

An inscription honoring Americans who have been affected by chemical, biological and radiological exposure while serving in the Armed Forces will be unveiled at the newest Legion circle. 

A “memory basket” will be present at the event where persons who have lost a loved one can write their name on a card that will be read. 

Agent Orange was a herbicide used by U.S. military forces during the Vietnam War to eliminate forest cover and crops for North Vietnamese and Viet Cong troops. The U.S. program, codenamed Operation Ranch Hand, sprayed more than 20 million gallons of various herbicides over Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos from 1961 to 1971.

Agent Orange contained dioxin, which has been proven to cause serious health issues—including cancer, birth defects, rashes and severe psychological and neurological problems. 

Agent Orange has been called the last battle of the Vietnam War because many came home and suffered its effects.  “Americans have suffered from chemical, biological and radiological exposure especially since the 20th Century,” noted Ken Locke, Kosciusko Honor & Remember chairman. 

“We want to honor them for their service with many who currently fighting their last battle or have lost their lives after coming home,” he said.