From left, VFW’s Johnny Restivo and Jim Cordes shake hands as Cordes presents Restivo with a Vietnam veterans lapel pin.
National Vietnam War Veterans Day is March 29, and it was commemorated locally on March 28 with a remembrance ceremony at American Legion Post 177 in Fairfax City.
Besides the American Legion, participating were the Fairfax County Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR); Fairfax Resolves Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution (SAR); and VFW Post 8469.
“Our duty to honor Vietnam veterans and their families continues, and their service and sacrifice will not be forgotten,” said Suzy Mulligan, NSDAR regent. “We’ll also individually remember the 147 Fairfax County residents who gave their lives in Vietnam and whose names are inscribed on the plaque on the Veteran’s Monument on the Historic Fairfax Courthouse lawn.”
Giving the invocation was former Fairfax City Mayor David Meyer of the Fairfax Resolves. He dedicated it
Jeff White (second from left) and others salute while “Taps” is played.
“We also remember the Vietnam veterans still among us who carry the unseen wounds of war, who continue to struggle with PTSD, substance dependencies, aging bodies and strained family relationships. May we continue to advocate for them and partner with them and their loved ones so they may experience healing and wholeness.”
Fairfax Resolves President Tom Heinz said the “profound sacrifices veterans made in the jungles and rice paddies of Vietnam were a testament to their unwavering courage, resilience and dedication to duty. They faced unimaginable horrors and hardships, yet they never wavered in their commitment to defend our freedoms and the ideals upon which our country was founded.
“Many of our Vietnam veterans returned home to a nation divided and torn by the war. They faced prejudice and misunderstanding but carried on with dignity and honor. Their experiences forever shaped their lives, and they continue serving their communities and nation in countless ways.
“Today we stand in awe of their bravery and sacrifice. We’re eternally grateful for their service, and we pledge to never forget the lessons learned from that tumultuous era in our history. Let us use this day to honor both those who returned home and those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Let us also reaffirm our commitment to supporting our veterans and their families and ensuring that they receive the care and respect they so richly deserve.”
Mac McCarl, commander of VFW Post 8469, said the U.S. Vietnam War Commemoration was authorized by Congress, established under the Secretary of Defense and launched by the president in 2012. “Its primary purpose was to thank and honor Vietnam veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice, he said. “Today, even though the official commemorative period has ended, we proudly continue that mission here in our own community.
“The Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017 established the 29th of March, in perpetuity, as a national day to recognize the previously unsung patriotism of our Vietnam veterans. It’s codified in law, [along with holidays including] Memorial Day, Independence Day and Veterans Day.”
American Legion Post 177 Commander Eric Parkhurst explained why that date was chosen. “March 29, 1973, was the day U.S. Military Assistance Command, Vietnam was disestablished,” he said. “It was also the day the last U.S. combat troops departed Vietnam. Finally, it was the day Hanoi released the last of its acknowledged prisoners of war. So March 29 is a fitting choice for our National Vietnam Veterans Day.
“As we observe it, we honor the 9 million who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces from Nov. 1, 1955, to May 15, 1975. No distinction is made between veterans who served in-country, in-theater or elsewhere during the Vietnam War period. All were called to serve – none could determine where they’d be stationed. Too often, they were judged by a nation that couldn’t separate the war from the warrior. Each person who served [then] earned and richly deserves our profound thanks.”
Speaking next was Honorary NSDAR Regent Janice Dixon. “As they say at Arlington National Cemetery when you lay a wreath for Wreaths Across America, ‘When you say their names, they are never forgotten,’” she said. “So today, we’ll individually remember the 147 Fairfax County residents by reading their names.
Although none of their families are with us this morning, we know many live in Fairfax County, and we thank them for the sacrifices they made that enabled their loved ones to serve. Sadly, as of today, 1,566 Americans who served in the Vietnam War remain unaccounted for, and their families continue to wait for answers. As a nation, we remain committed to the solemn work of fulfilling our promise to account for the missing and bring them home.”
Then Parkhurst conducted a special POW/MIA ceremony with objects on a table in front of the podium. “Those who’ve served, and those currently serving in the U.S. uniformed services are ever mindful that the sweetness of enduring peace has always been tainted by the bitterness of personal sacrifice,” he said. “We’re compelled to never forget that, while we enjoy our daily pleasures, there are others who have endured and may still be enduring the agonies of pain, deprivation and imprisonment.
“To recognize them, we call your attention to this small table occupying a place of dignity and honor. It’s set for one, symbolizing that members of our armed forces are missing from our ranks. They’re referred to as POWs and MIAs. We call them comrades. They’re unable to be with their loved ones and families, so we join to pay humble tribute to them, and to bear witness to their continued absence.
“The table is small, symbolizing the frailty of one prisoner, alone against his or her suppressors. The tablecloth is white, symbolic of the purity of their intentions to respond to their country’s call to arms. The single rose in the vase signifies the blood they may have shed in sacrifice to ensure the freedom of our beloved United States of America. It also reminds us of our missing comrades’ families and friends who keep faith while awaiting their return.
“The vase’s red ribbon represents an unyielding determination for a proper accounting of our comrades who aren’t among us. A slice of lemon on the plate reminds us of their bitter fate. The salt sprinkled on the plate reminds us of the countless fallen tears of families as they wait. The glass is inverted; they cannot toast with us at this time. The chair is empty – they’re not here.
“The candle is reminiscent of the light of hope living in our hearts to illuminate their way home to the open arms of a grateful nation. The American flag reminds us that many of them may never return and have paid the supreme sacrifice to ensure our freedom. Never forget that; and pray they’ll all soon be back within our ranks. May God forever watch over and protect them and their families.”
Fairfax Resolves member Jim Cordes then read the names of the 45 Virginians still missing in action. As he did, ceremony participants placed yellow carnations onto a memorial wreath to honor each one. Then attendees did likewise in remembrance of others who served during the Vietnam War period. The names of the 147 Fairfax County fallen Vietnam War veterans were read and honored the same way, with the American Legion’s Hank Roeder playing “Taps” at the end.
Afterward, the Vietnam veterans present each received a special lapel pin. It features an eagle’s head representing courage, honor and dedicated service; stripes for the American flag; and six stars for the allies who fought alongside each other. All are encircled by a blue ring signifying vigilance, perseverance and justice. The phrase, “A Grateful Nation Thanks and Honors You,” is embossed on the reverse side.
Giving the closing benediction was Annetta Smith, NSDAR chaplain-elect, saying, “We lift up our hearts in gratitude for [our Vietnam veterans’] dedication to duty, endurance in hardship, and commitment to one another and to this nation. Bless those who served, Oh Lord. May they find peace knowing their sacrifices aren’t forgotten. Heal the wounds of body, mind and spirit for those who still bear them. Grant them the honor and respect they so rightly deserve.
“For the families who endured separation, loss and the burdens of war, we ask Your comfort. May they find strength in the love of this grateful nation and assurance that their sacrifices, too, are recognized. And we entrust those who made the ultimate sacrifice to Your eternal care.
“May their names be etched not only in stone, but in our hearts forever. Let us be faithful stewards of their legacy, ensuring that their bravery is never forgotten and that peace is always pursued. As we leave this place, may we walk in unity – ever committed to justice, freedom and the dignity of all who serve.”