A day set aside to honor those who died as a result of the Vietnam War

American service members who died in the war in Southeast Asia have been justly commemorated by inclusion on the long list of names gracing the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. This was a difficult and controversial conflict, the longest in American history (1959-1975). Prior to the dedication of The Wall in 1982, many veterans and family members of those who sacrificed their lives in the name of freedom had found only indifference and neglect from their countrymen. Then the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund — a private organization, with no government funding — built a Wall of honor dedicated not only to those who died, but to all who served in this war. At long last, those veterans who had been ignored were embraced, those embarrassed by their service could be proud, those neglected could be tended.

And while this Memorial of solemn granite walls — laden with panel after panel inscribed with hundreds and hundreds of names — is dedicated to all who served, there are many veterans who have died prematurely as a result of the war and whose names will never be commemorated in stone. How do we acknowledge the debt to those whose lives have been cut short because of exposure to a defoliant sprayed in the jungles of Vietnam? How do we show understanding for those veterans whose psychological wounds never healed, and enduring the pain no longer, died at their own hands, either directly or indirectly? How do we help bring closure to those families who grieve their loved one's bitter death even as they grieve their loved one's shattered life? These are the silent casualties who are honored by the Memorial Fund's In Memory Program.

It is hard to lose someone in battle, abruptly and without warning. So, too, is it hard to return from war, with a life so broken that it never repairs. For the service members who return and their families, the sometimes slow disintegration of body, mind and spirit can be as devastating as wartime loss. The obstacles faced because of handicap and disillusionment go on unabated.

 In Memory acknowledges the hardships encountered and the strengths manifested years after the initial war incidents.

In Memory gives proper due to sacrifices of both the service members and the loved ones who stood by them.

In Memory Day commemorates annually America's concern for all American veterans, but particularly those who have faced daily difficulties caused by their service, and who have had their lives shortened prematurely. This is the least we can do for our veterans.

In Memory Day falls on the third Monday in April, which is in some places celebrated as Patriots Day. We feel this is particularly appropriate as the suffering of these veterans was endured for far longer than the time spent in combat, enabling them to be examples of patriotism and sacrifice for all Americans.

For more information about the In Memory program, click here. For a copy of the In Memory application, download  the PDF or contact the Memorial Fund at (202) 393-0090 or via email at vvmf@vvmf.org.  All application materials must be received by February 5 to be considered for In Memory Day 2010.