Remembering and honoring Vietnam veterans
On March 29, marking the 50th anniversary of the last troops to leave Vietnam, Americans across the United States celebrated National Vietnam War Veterans Day, including local ceremonies at American Legion Post 17 in Lewes and at the Vietnam memorial park at The Village of College Park in Georgetown.
It was also a time to honor the 124 Delaware and 26 Sussex County soldiers who were killed in Vietnam.
As Post 17 Commander Steve Barrow explained, March 29 is a significant date in the history of the war. He said it’s the day the U.S. command in Vietnam ceased, the day the last U.S. combat troops left the country and the day the North Vietnamese released prisoners of war.
Barrow said the day has been set aside nationwide to honor the 9 million Vietnam War-era military service members who served from Nov. 1, 1955, to May 15, 1975. He said 58,281 (average age 22) paid the ultimate sacrifice and are honored at the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, D.C.
During the Post 17 ceremony, Vietnam War veterans were presented with a certificate and lapel pin, and treated to lunch. After Barrow read the names of the Sussex Countians who perished in the war, there was moment of silence and a tribute from Scottish Highland bagpiper Lani Spahr, who served for four years during the Vietnam War era.
“When they came home, there were no cheers and no parades,” Barrow said. “They quietly slipped back into their lives. We need to show them the high measure of esteem we hold for them. We’ve been holding our applause for 50 years, so let them know how much you appreciate their service.”
The Georgetown ceremony, hosted by Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1105, included presentations by Mayor Bill West; Patrick Moonan, Chapter 1105 outreach chair; Walt Ellenberger of Warrior Community Connect; and emcee George Stone, a Chapter 1105 member. Members of the Sussex Central High School JROTC Color Guard presented the colors, led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance and also read the names of the Sussex County soldiers who died in Vietnam.
It took place at a new location for the Sussex County Vietnam Veterans Memorial, which was moved from The Circle to a dedicated memorial park at The Village of College Park, a new DRB Homes community under construction behind the Georgetown Walmart. Streets in the community will be named after the five Georgetown soldiers killed in Vietnam.
Stone said there are more than 6 million Vietnam War-era veterans alive today, with more than 275,000 suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Stone compared life to the people we come in contact with while riding a train.
“Some might be vets,” he said. “Offer them a seat and offer them assistance if they need it.”
Moonan has been at the forefront of informing Vietnam War veterans and their spouses about the medical services and benefits to which they are entitled.
Ellenberger said his all-volunteer organization provides recreational programs for wounded and ill veterans and their families, including pickleball, golf, cooking classes, paddleboard outings and fly fishing. For more information, go to warriorcommunityconnect.org.
On the Sussex County Vietnam War Memorial are the following names from the Cape Region: Lt. Harry Preston McFalls of Lewes; Sgt. Howard Lee Webb of Rehoboth Beach; Pfc. Robert John Mereider and Lance Cpl. Linden Watne Brittingham of Milton; and Pfc. Donald Phillip Hamilton and Cpl. Reginald Wayne Burris of Ellendale.
