July 4th, 2017

The Independence Day celebration is always a bit of a mixed bag for me.

I remember as a kid how much it meant to me and my anticipation and worry about if my folks would take me somewhere to see fireworks? Usually, they did, but I always worried.

As an adult, it seems important to continue these traditions and to honor those that have allowed us to retain our independence. Vietnam and more recent wars  have never really seemed to be about our independence and we all know the questions, right or wrong, about whether or not we should be engaged in wars of dubious intent and outcome.

As a Grandparent, I want my grand kids to know and understand what Independence Day is all about and to enjoy their thrill at all the festivities.

As a 'Nam vet, well that is a completely different matter all together.

I hate the noise, and God, I hate the smell, and what it has all come to represent for me. So, each year I wrestle with the question of what am I going to do?

I don't want to go.

I know many vets that feel the same way.

But, the grandchildren love it, just as I did all those many summers ago, How many years will I get to treasure their joy as they grow up and away? Also, I do not ever want to pass on my anxiety, so I work to keep it masked from them.

So, today, I will swallow what I feel and take my girls to the fireworks and concert in our area and watch them laugh and thrill to it all.

And, I will hope that they are never burdened with their own memories and doubts.

I hope you all have a great day.

Jefferson statue at Williamson, Va.

OK, on a lighter note, a quiz.

When was the Declaration of Independence signed?

July 4th, right?

Well, no.

It was signed on July 2nd and sent to the printer. He didn't get around to printing it until the 4th and, hence, used that date. So, the rest as they say.....

Detail from Jefferson's writing

Next time on July 9th, we will retrace our steps to New York, so join me there at 9:00am.

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

Virginia XIII

Last year, while wandering the Marine Corp Museum in Triangle, Virginia, I came a cross an area that, at least from the road was difficult to get to without climbing guard rails, etc. so, that's what I did. I had been down to see the Take Me Home Huey exhibit featured at the Museum on Memorial Day weekend. You can find more info on this fantastic project elsewhere on A Means to Heal, too.

Good choice. I found a memorial to military dogs and a few mentions of Vietnam service along the walkway, which, it turns out was easily accessible form elsewhere. I will write about these at a future date.

This memorial to the class of '67 includes the name of Victor David Westphall whose parents built the first national memorial in Angle Fire New Mexico after Victor was killed in 'Nam. I have featured this spectacular site elsewhere on this effort and have often said that seeing the memorial in new Mexico is largely responsible for this on going project, to honor as many as possible.

The memorial honors the 39 men from BOC class 5, 1967 who were lost in 'Nam. they became known as the boys of '67 and Lt Westphall was one of them.

 A reminder to us all.


Next time, on the28th, we will venture back to Oregon, so, as always, join me there at 9:00am.

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

Oregon update

When I wrote recently about Bend Oregon's memorial I commented that I had no luck in running down info about it and promised to update if I found anything. Well, a couple of guys from the area saw that post and responded. The following is taken directly from what they sent me. Thanks guys, I love it when people respond to the site and fill in info that I don't have.

"On Memorial Day it's good to remember that Bend has the distinction of having America's first memorial to the veterans of the Vietnam War. My brother died there in March of 1967. Soon after, my mom and Mrs. Dexter (whose son was still listed as MIA) decided to build a memorial. As I recall, it was completed in 1967 but we waited until Memorial Day of 1968 to dedicate it. Between the completion... and the dedication, a memorial in Kentucky was dedicated and it is generally recognized as our country's first. I believe Bend ought to get the credit.

I have photos of it when it was first completed and it's chilling to see that the two women knew to leave lots of room for additional names to be added. Lessons they learned from WWII, I suspect.

The memorial is out at Deschutes Memorial Gardens and still looks great even after all these years. Bennie Dexter's name was one of the last to be added."

And another post;

"It may be helpful to point out that Deschutes Memorial Gardens has TWO memorials. The newer large memorial with the flags and the bricks many of us purchased was dedicated in the late 1980's, I think. The original Wall was built in 67 and dedicated on Memorial Day 1968. It's the one with the names of those from Central Oregon who died in Vietnam."

Oddly, on the same day I heard from the guys in Oregon, I heard from some folks in Charlottesville, Va. about their memorial that was dedicated in 1966! I have not been to see it yet, but will do so before the summer is over. I will report on it at that time. Many thanks to all who are sending info my way. This blog is improved by your input.

Virginia

The memorial dedicated to Virginians lost in Vietnam seems to have caused much controversy during its inception. Vietnam vets envisioned the new memorial in Newport News, largely due to the fact that the "Victory Arch" is located in the city center. However, some WWII vets opposed this as they feared the site would become a "memorial park"

After many meetings and continued controversy it was decided that the memorial would be built at the Virginia War Museum, where it was believed it would receive more exposure and be visited by more people. The museum welcomed the new memorial with open arms and fund raising was continued by the memorial foundation, Vietnam vet organizations and a local POW/MIA group.

Groundbreaking for the site was on August 4, 1990 and the dedication, one year later, on August 3, 1991. The surrounding plaza was dedicated the following year on August 1, 1992.

The memorial itself is a five sided granite pylon with one of the five service emblems engraved on each side. All sides bear the POW/MIA insignia and the words, "We honor those who gave their best"

A few yards away is an eternal flame which bears the dedication plaque and the plaza area has markers from a number of local organizations and individuals.

There is also a time capsule which is to be opened in 2041.

Another unique feature is that there are no names upon this memorial. The names of the 1304 Virginians who perished are instead listed at the Virginia War Memorial in Richmond, among the 11,600 honored there. I went to the site in Richmond but there is major work being done on it and it was closed to the public.

The Virginia Vietnam Memorial is located in Huntington Park, adjacent to the Virginia War Museum. The museum is located at 9285 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, Va 23607