Memorial Day

For most Americans, Memorial Day is just another date on the calendar.  For the families of fallen heroes, veterans, and those affected by war, Memorial Day signifies the unchanging sacrifices made by members of the military in protecting our way of life.  In recognition of these sacrifices, the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial played host to the annual Memorial Day Ceremony at the Wall on May 30, 2011.

Co-hosted by the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial Fund (VVMF) and the National Parks Service, the 2011 observance featured remarks by Assistant Secretary of the Navy Juan Garcia III and Jan C. Scruggs, founder and president of VVMF.  They reminded audiences of the heroism and courage displayed by not only veterans, but those who never returned from battle, leaving behind family, friends, and a way of life.

This year’s ceremony was special and distinguished in many ways.  Five new names were added to the Wall itself, including:

 Sgt. Henry L. Aderholt, USA, Birmingham, Ala.,  Panel 12W, Row 83;
 ETR2 Richard Lewis Daniels, USN, Washougal, Wash., Panel 4W, Row 108;
 BT3 Peter Otto Holcomb, USN, Grandy, Minn., Panel 15E, Row 60;
 SPC Charles J. Sabatier, USA, Galveston, Texas, Panel 40E, Line 72; and
 SPC Charles Robert Vest, USA, Lynchburg, Ohio,  Panel 24E, Line 30.

These names, read aloud by family members, became a part of the lasting legacy of the Wall, and will be seen by millions who gather there each year. 

The emotional ceremony ended with the Laying of Wreaths, where individuals from sponsored organizations place wreaths at the Wall in remembrance of the fallen. 

The 2011 Memorial Day Ceremony was not only a deserved tribute to fallen heroes; it displayed the eternal gratefulness of a nation who still mourns the losses of fellow Americans in the service of freedom.

For more information about the annual ceremonies at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, please contact VVMF at (202) 393-0090 or via e-mail at vvmf@vvmf.org.


 

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