New York XVI

Steve and I left Buffalo and headed to Niagara Falls just because we were so close and neither of us had ever been there.

Along the way, about 20 miles east of the falls we drove through Lockport and there in the middle of town was a Veterans Park.

The memorial was first constructed in 1930 and is dedicated to all who have fought in our nation's wars.

Over the years specific plaques have been added to include the 26 of our brothers in Vietnam.

The park is located along Hwy 31 at Harrison Avenue and is often the site of town concerts.

Next time, on the 4th of April, we will venture once again to North Carolina , so join me there at 9:00am.

To see additional memorials from New York, or any other state, please click the state name on the left side of this page.

New Mexico XVI

Back in June of 2016 I visited Las Cruces, New Mexico to see the wonderful veterans memorial the city has built.

However, once I visited the numerous memorials through out the park it became apparent that there was no memorial to Vietnam. I was somewhat disappointed as you might imagine because I had heard, or read, or something that it was there, while leaving a saw a small bulletin board and on it were a number of notices and flyers. I checked it out and discovered that, in fact, a Vietnam memorial was planned and was in the process of development. I vowed to return.

So, today, I will share the outcome of those efforts.

I called around New Mexico looking for the nearest Veterans organization. I eventually hooked up with Billy Armijo, a Vietnam vet, manning the phones at New Mexico Veterans Services on the day I called. He promised to meet me at the memorial and tell me about it when I made to the area.

Billy, true to his word was waiting for me when I arrived. Today, I will share a few of the pics and promise to come back here another time with some of the other features of this site.

I just love the way the designers placed the Huey which was the final component of this site.

Seems like it is really coming in doesn't it?

Note the text, a bit unusual:

Vietnam War Memorial

Heroes Never Thanked

Many, many, names and faces listed, those lost and those who managed to make it back.

Here is a pic of billy in Da Nang that is featured on the Wall.

Here is a pic of Billy and me at another memorial, in Vado, that he was kind enough to take me to see. You can find more pics of Vado elsewhere on this site.

Next time, on the 30th, we will head back to New York. Join me there as always, at 9:00am.

To see additional memorials from New Mexico, or any other state, please click the state name on the left side of this page.

New Hampshire XI

The Pillsbury Memorial center was built in 1891 and is named for native son John S. Pillsbury (yes, that Pillsbury) who later became the Governor of Minnesota. It is said to be the only building in this style in the County.

 Inside the main area is an auditorium type space. The day I visited it was busy with craft activities and a small craft fair.

One of the nice folks who works there was able to point out the plaque honoring those from Sutton who served in Vietnam.

The Pillsbury building is located on Main Street in Sutton, NH.

Next time, on the 25th, we will return to New Mexico, so join me there at 9:00am.

To see other memorials from New Hampshire, or any other state, click the state name on the left side of this page.

Ireland III

In keeping with my last Irish post and the occurrence of Saint Patrick's Day, I want to interrupt the scheduled post I promised from New Hampshire.


Today, I received and interesting article from my Irish friend Mary Glasheen.*

It recounts the story of one of the Irishmen who came to America to join the military and fight with us in Vietnam.

 Patrick Gallagher with Gen. William Westmoreland


"By Pat McGrath
Western Correspondent

A US Navy Destroyer is to be named in honour of a Mayo man who died in the Vietnam War.
Corporal Patrick "Bob" Gallagher grew up in Derrintogher, outside Ballyhaunis and emigrated to the US in 1963.

He joined the US Marines and was nearing the end of a tour of duty in Vietnam, when he was killed in an ambush on 30 March 1967.
Relatives and former colleagues have been campaigning to have a US Navy vessel named in his honour for a number of years.

This afternoon, the US Navy confirmed that, having reviewed the case, it has been decided to recognise the "exemplary service in defence of the nation" that was undertaken by Corporal Gallagher.

The decision follows extensive deliberation at the Pentagon in recent months.
The USS Gallagher will be a guided missile destroyer and will be the newest such vessel in the American marine fleet.

A US Navy spokesperson told RTÉ News that the valour displayed by Corporal Gallagher clearly warranted the honour.

Describing his service as an example to all service men and women, the US Navy said the public campaign and a review of the Mayo native's record was central to the decision.

The news has been welcomed by his brother, Peter, who lives at the family home.

Corporal Gallagher was buried in Ballyhaunis, with full US military honours, following his death.
His grave bears the distinctive white headstone, typical of those of deceased US service personnel.
Members of the US Marines visit the plot each year and a special ceremony was held there last year to mark the 50th anniversary of his death."



If I am able to find other stories of our Irish brothers and sisters I will certainly post them here. As you already know, 30 Irish citizens were lost supporting our efforts in 'Nam. including Nurse Pam Donovan, one of the eight women listed upon The Wall.

Next time, on the 20th, I will post the aforementioned New Hampshire memorial.

To see other memorials from any state, please click the state name on the left side of this page.

* If ever in Ireland check out Mary, she is wonderful person and can set up marvelous tours through her company, Glasheen's Coaches.

Ireland II

One does not always think of Ireland when contemplating the Vietnam war, but this would be an oversight.

People from other lands came to the aide of Vietnam by joining the U.S. military. I have found a memorial in Portugal, there are KIA/MIAs from Panama and other not often credited places.

The Irish are no exception and are, perhaps, the largest such group.

2500 of then came to America to join the military and serve along side us in Vietnam. Some 30 of them perished and are along side us, still, on The Wall in Washington, D.C. One of these is among the eight women listed, Pam Donovan, was from Ireland.

This memorial is the one of the last remaining remnants from British occupation of Ireland, so it is fitting that it now serves as an everlasting honor to Irish men and women who gave their lives while fighting with other countrys for the freedom of others.

Originally the Officers Mess and Quarters, part of the Tipperary Barracks it was destroyed after the British finally left Ireland.

It was saved and refurbished by the Tipperary Remembrance Trust to honor these Irish heroes and dedicated in 2004.

       

There are several plaques on the reverse of the arch and each is dedicated in a manner different from what we do here. They are listed by whom the Irish fought with against someone else. The one on which you find Pam Donovan, and others, is simply listed as the Irish lost fighting with America. Another says Irish lost while fighting with the United Kingdom, or Australia, or Eire (Ireland).

 

                                  

The memorial is dedicated to:

"...the Irishmen and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice for the cause of Peace Freedom at home or worldwide..."

When I visited, my guide, Mick, told me there were plans to add a plaque dedicated specifically to those lost in Vietnam. I do not know if this has been completed yet, I was back recently and it was not, but I could not reach Mick to get any information. If I do, I will certainly update here.

I thought about saving this for Saint Patrick's Day, but decided it was too far off, so enjoy.

Next time, on the 15th we will revisit New Hampshire, so join me then, back in America, at 9:00am.

To see memorials from any state, please click the state name on the left side of this page.

Maryland XVIII

Frostburg lies in the far west of Maryland. It was founded by Mr. Frost, because Thomas Jefferson wanted to build The National Road to ship goods back to the east and provide a way west for expansion, in 1806. It served for about 40 years until the Railroads made their way into western Maryland. Today Frostburg's population is less than 10,000 not including the students at Frostburg University.

This memorial is located on the side of the American Legion Post 24 building near the corner of Main and Water Streets.

The plaque is one of several that adorn the front of the building. It was locked up tight when I was there so I couldn't gather any other information.

Ten of our brothers are honored here, even one with my last name. I guess we all feel a special pang when we see our own names on a memorial somewhere, I know I do. Why him...?

So, on the 10th, we will venture back to Ireland. I will just have returned from another road trip and perhaps I'll have something new to share. Join me here at 9:00am to see what is up.

To see additional memorials from Maryland, or any other state, please click th state name on the left side of this page.