For Immediate Release
July 6, 2004

Contact: Judy Keyserling
(202) 393-0090

Media Advisory

NEW IN MEMORY PLAQUE AT VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL
TO BE “OFFICIALLY” UNVEILED ON JULY 8 AT 10 AM
Plaque Honors Those Who Died After the War, But as a Result of That Service

WHAT: The fifth element added to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial site, the In Memory Plaque pays tribute to men and women who died prematurely as a result of the Vietnam War, but whose names are not eligible for inscription on The Wall. The Plaque sits flush with the paving in the northeast corner of the Three Servicemen Statue Plaza and reads “In memory of the men and women who served in the Vietnam War and later died as a result of their service.  We honor and remember their sacrifice.”

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund contributed more than $130,000 to the American Battle Monuments Commission for the In Memory Plaque, including site and design services.  Additional funding was provided by Harley-Davidson Motor Company; and donations from individuals and other organizations. 

WHO: 

  • Major General John P. Herrling, USA (Ret), American Battle Monuments Commission
  • Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell, sponsor of Senate authorizing legislation
  • Representative Elton Gallegly, sponsor of House authorizing legislation
  • Ruth Coder Fitzgerald, Vietnam War In Memory Memorial, Inc.
  • Jan C. Scruggs, Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund
  • Wayne Curtin, Harley-Davidson Motor Company

WHEN: Thursday, July 8 at 10 AM

WHERE: The Three Servicemen Plaza at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Washington, D.C.

WHY: The Department of Defense developed very specific parameters that allow only the names of service members who died of injuries suffered in combat zones to be inscribed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.  The In Memory Plaque recognizes those who have died prematurely as a result of the Vietnam War but who do not meet the criteria.

BACKGROUND: Established in 1979, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund is the non-profit organization authorized by Congress to build the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.  Today, it has developed a series of outreach programs dedicated to preserving the legacy of The Wall, to promoting healing and to educating about the impact of the Vietnam War.

 

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The “Unveiling” is hosted by the American Battle Monuments Commission, the organization authorized by Congress to complete the project. Participants include: 
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