For Immediate Release
April 11, 2005

Contact:  JoAnn Mangione
 202-393-0090  202-393-0090 ext. 109

VIETNAM VETERANS TO BE HONORED POSTHUMOUSLY AT
VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL IN WASHINGTON, DC
In Memory Day Ceremony Recognizes Those Who Died From Non-Combat Injuries

Monday, April 18 at 10 a.m.
East Knoll-Constitution & 20th Street, NW

WASHINGTON, DC – One hundred thirty-seven (137) American war heroes will be honored posthumously at the Seventh Annual In Memory Day Ceremony at The Wall, announced Jan C. Scruggs, founder and president of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund. (View 2005 Honorees)

The event pays tribute to those who died prematurely due to non-combat injuries and emotional suffering caused directly by the Vietnam War, but who do not meet Department of Defense guidelines for inscription on The Wall. Many of their deaths are a result of Agent Orange exposure and emotional wounds that never healed.

More than 1,000 family members, friends and fellow veterans are expected to visit the nation’s capital for the Ceremony on April 18 at 10 a.m. at the East Knoll, near The Wall at Constitution Avenue & 20th Street, NW.

During the ceremony, family members will read aloud the names of their loved ones in chronological order by date of death.  Following the ceremony, participants will place tributes at the base of The Wall corresponding to the honorees’ dates of service in Vietnam so they may rest among those comrades with whom they served.  The addition of this year’s honorees takes the In Memory Honor Roll up to more than 1,500 individuals.

“The Vietnam Veterans Memorial stands for all who fought and died in this war,” Scruggs said.  “This annual event brings together families and friends who have sustained similar tragedies, giving them the opportunity to share stories and help each other begin healing.”

Welcoming Remarks: 
 

  • Jan C. Scruggs, founder and president of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund
  • Vikki Keys, superintendent, National Mall and Memorial Parks

Speakers:

  • Linda George, wife of 2001 In Memory Honoree, Robert Lee George.  Chief Warrant Officer George flew gunship cover for those spreading Agent Orange.  He died of lung cancer and was buried with full military honors in Arlington National Cemetery.
  • Richard C. Schneider, executive director for government affairs for the Non Commissioned Officers Association.  The Association’s mission is to enhance and maintain the quality of life for non commissioned and petty officers in all branches of the Armed Forces, National Guard and Reserves.

Performer:

  • Country musician and U.S. Navy Veteran, Chuck Price pays tribute to Vietnam veterans through many of his songs including:  The Unsung Heroes and At The Wall.

Event Sponsor
The Non Commissioned Officers Association of the USA, with its headquarters in Alexandria, VA, is sponsoring the Seventh Annual In Memory Day Ceremony.

Patriots Day
The annual In Memory Day Ceremony is held on the third Monday of April.  It coincides with Patriots Day, which commemorates the battles of Lexington and Concord at the start of the Revolutionary War – the first time Americans fought for freedom and democracy.

Parking
Parking along Constitution Avenue is permitted at 9:30 a.m.
 

Established in 1979, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund is the non-profit organization authorized by Congress to build the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC.  Today, it has developed a series of outreach programs dedicated to preserving the legacy of The Wall, promoting healing and  educating about the impact of the Vietnam War.  In 2003, President George W. Bush authorized the Memorial Fund to build the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Center, an underground educational facility, near The Wall.

###
 

Donate Now

Donate Now and Help Us Build The Education Center at The Wall. The stories of our military heroes' stories and sacrifice must never be forgotten

Be an Online Advocate
Spread the word to friends and family.
facebook icon twitter icon

Join Us!
Sign up to receive e-mail updates about
Memorial Fund activities.
Enter your e-mail address below:
Sign up to stay updated on the building of the Education Center and Memorial Fund activities. Enter your e-mail address below:


go
Build The Center

Learn about VVMF's efforts to build an Education Center at The Wall.

go