In Memory Day

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund's In Memory program honors those who died as a result of the Vietnam War, but whose deaths do not fit the Department of Defense criteria for inclusion upon the Vietnam Veterans Memorial (The Wall) in Washington, D.C.  

Examples of deaths that do not fit the Department of Defense criteria include, but are not limited to: 

 

PTSD related illnesses / events
Exposure to Agent Orange and similar chemicals
Diabetes
Cancer
Heart Attack
 
All of the above items do fit the criteria for inclusion in VVMF’s In Memory program.  Each year we honor these fallen heroes and their families at the In Memory Day ceremony.

BEFORE YOU APPLY

Applying for the In Memory program is very quick and easy but you need to have the following materials:  

 

1.  Death certificate
2.  Military Records that show proof of service in Vietnam (Form DD214).  You can request this form at http://www.archives.gov/veterans/
3.  Two (2) clear photos of the honoree
 
HOW TO APPLY

To apply for the In Memory 2013 Program please click here or copy and paste the following link into your browser:  http://www.vvmf.org/InMemory_Apply to fill out an application online. 

OR

Download the In Memory application.

OR

Contact VVMF via e-mail at inmemory@vvmf.org.  

To have a loved one considered for the In Memory program in 2013, you must submit your application to VVMF by April 12th, 2013.  Instructions for what to include and where to send the completed application are outlined on the application form.

Facts about the In Memory Day ceremony:
 

  • The In Memory Day ceremony falls on Flag Day in June, an appropriate time since the veterans being honored endured mental or physical suffering for far longer than their time spent in combat, exemplifying the kind of patriotism and sacrifice these proud American men and women possess.
  • The ceremony honors not only the American veterans inscribed on The Wall but in particular those who are not on The Wall since they suffered medial difficulties due to their service in Vietnam.
  • During the In Memory Day ceremony, the names of all the honorees are read aloud.
  • At the conclusion of the ceremony, certificates bearing the honorees' names are placed at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The tributes are collected by the National Park Service and stored in a permanent archive.
  • In addition, the honorees are included in the Virtual In Memory Honor Roll to serve as a lasting reminder of their service and sacrifices.

In Their Own Words

“I'm so happy that myself and my two boys were able to attend my husband's ceremony. Unfortunately, the Vietnam veterans never received the recognition that they should have when they returned from the war, so all the more reason my family felt compelled to attend. I was just amazed at how many people's lives are still being affected by Agent Orange some 50 years later. I was also so grateful that my husband finally got the recognition that he deserved because we are very proud of him. The ceremony was very emotional, but I also felt like it was a final chapter to his life, which has definitely helped our grieving process…thank you for the opportunity for giving us the chance to honor my husband and my son's father.”  Rita Amante, wife of Joseph Amante. He was inducted into the In Memory program during the 2012 ceremony.

"My husband, Alan Alfred Howardell was honored as one of the 96 honorees [in 2012]. While the names are not inscribed on The Wall, their spirits and memory are ever present. All these men served in Vietnam, and though they were not killed in action like their brothers, they all died as a direct result of their service from exposure to Agent Orange.  The ceremony was attended by families from all over the United States who came to honor their loved one, read their loved one's name out loud, and placed a tribute at The Wall…Alan's tribute was placed on Panel E5, which represented 1965. What follows are numerous pictures of this day and a video. I was asked by Patriot Guard Rider Vermont State Captain Bob Wheeler, who also served in Vietnam, to leave another tribute at The Wall today. This tribute, a song composed by a Vietnam Veteran, was given to Bob, with the request that the song be played and left at The Wall. Per his request I did so today. That is the music playing in the background. It was a very moving experience. And upon reflecting on this memorable day, I would say that Alan is where he needs to be . . . together once again . . . with his brothers.” Patricia Howardell, wife of Alfred Howardell. He was inducted into the In Memory program during the 2012 ceremony.

“The memory ceremony is really a healing ceremony for veteran’s families.  Our veterans gave so much to their country and deserve to be honored.  To share memories and acknowledge each other’s suffering gives families validation that their loved ones are not forgotten.  Thank you for giving us the opportunity to honor our loved ones in this public ceremony." Family of Paul Icovitti, an In Memory program inductee during the 2012 ceremony.


“What an honor to see my husband, George Cornelius, as part of the In Memory program for 2012.  He is part of a group of people who served their country proudly and would have done it again if health permitted.  Sitting through this ceremony made our family even more proud of his accomplishments and so many people are dealing with their loved ones loss like we are.  There is a feeling of unity, respect and pride among us. 

Whoever originated this program should be commended for helping bring peace to these veterans’ families. Forever proud. “Debra Cornelius, wife of George Cornelius. He was inducted into the In Memory program during the 2012 ceremony

“My brother Jimmy was finally recognized for having served and given his life to his country. When I heard his name read aloud with those other beautiful souls, it took my breath away. I thought; Jimmy, now everyone knows. You’re their hero, too. Not just mine!”   Ann Arseneault McCarthy, sister of LTJG James R. Arseneault Jr. (1936-1961, Navy) He was inducted into the In Memory program during the 2012 ceremony

 

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    The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund takes our stewardship of your donations seriously. The programs we fund are designed to help us achieve our mission of preserving the legacy of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, promoting healing and educating about the impact of the Vietnam War.