People who know me are familiar with my affinity and respect for Vietnam veterans. I have spoken and written many things detailing how, and why they are my personal Gold Standard for warriors. I do not need to articulate the broader reasons again. I will, however, take this opportunity to pay special attention to the Delaware Valley Vietnam Veterans, or DV3, as they are affectionately known. I have witnessed many things undertaken by ordinary people to honor others, but DV3 rises to a special level in that regard. This past weekend the members of DV3 erected their 22nd Annual Flag Memorial in Bucks County. It is truly an experience that causes me to look for the good in people.
Over 58,000 American flags are placed in the ground by volunteers. The flags are arranged so as to exactly mirror the Vietnam Wall in DC. Each flag represents one service member killed or missing in action in Vietnam. This year the flags were placed in the ground by a tireless group of volunteers on a day when the thermometer reached 92 degrees. With no shade to protect them, a dozen or so hardy souls braved the direct sunlight and placed the flags in exacting detail. The memorial has been set up for 22 years to mourn and honor those valiant men, and nine women lost to the Vietnam War.
This year the memorial was expanded to include all the conflicts of the 20th and 21st Centuries. Stations were set up along the edge of the Flag Memorial. At each station a description of a particular war was provided and the casualty numbers were totaled. Plastic-coated sheets of paper were placed in binders for ease of use. The grim statistics of each conflict were in stark contrast to the flags which bordered them, and the green grass which enveloped them. From World War I through Enduring and Iraqi Freedom the totals for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice were meticulously annotated. Surprise greeted many visitors when they saw how large the numbers were. More than a few people expressed shock at the number of non-combat deaths associated with each conflict.
For the most part, Vietnam veterans came home to scorn and derision, or, if they were lucky to apathy. The Delaware Valley Vietnam Veterans have channeled that treatment into something good and noble. They have developed a memorial that is at once honorable and apolitical. In a time where everything related to the military is politicized, DV3 has managed to remind us all that those who have given everything for the rest of us deserve not only remembrance, but respect. I was moved by the memorial. For those of us who have served there is no higher reward than the respect of our brethren. I started this post with a statement reiterating my love and respect for the noble warriors of Vietnam. DV3 and their Flag Memorial just reminded me why. Good job brothers and WELCOME HOME.
4 comments:
that was a huge compliment chris.
its great to know we touch a new group of people every year
Chris, I first met you in Tullytown to defend the rights of someone named GIJoe that you didnt know. From your words that night till now I have grown to respect what you say and do. The words you put in print not only inspire me to do more but make me feel damn proud to have stood beside you.
Thank you for the Kudos for the memorial many people worked hard at it and we only want the fallen to be recognized not us after all they gave way more than time that is free, they gave All and that is not. By your side Brother always.
Chris,I too met you for the first time in Tullytown, trying to get the council members to let Joe vote. Jesse Hill told me you were his nephew, hey you had the same name, I believed it. Your words at that meeting were probaly the most Poignant of all who spoke that night. Your offer to supply the electronic equipment, for Joe to vote, was more than likley the best slap in the face those council members, that just didn't get it deserved.
Your words on the memorial were beautiful. As I put a flag in the ground, I say the name of a friend, as far as I'm concerned, for that memorial, that flag, represents that person. unfortunately as friends pass on my list gets longer every year.
Jon Wright HHC 4/9 25th. Inf. Div.
1967 Keep Up The Fire
HEY CHRIS THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL THE HELP AND SUPPORT. WITH BOTH PROJECTS. WHEN I ASKED YOU TO WRITE SOMETHING WOW! YOU SAID WELL.
YES, THE MEMORIAL IS YOUR'S TOO.
IT WAS GREAT BUMBING INTO AND OLD RELATIVE. BROTHER'S FOREVER
JESS HILL
MOM ALWAYS LIKED YOU BETTER!!!
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