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We Will Never Forget . . . But How Do We Remember?
25th Anniversary of the Vietnam Memorial Wall to be observed
by Edward Paul Greiff
We remember those who served on our behalf and those who paid the ultimate price through ceremonies such as the 9-11 Observance at Ground Zero in New York City this past September 11 and through the upcoming 25th Anniversary of the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C.
Putnam Valley Fire Policeman Patrick McQuillan recalls his participation in the First Responders ceremony this year at Ground Zero. Attending any of these ceremonies is an emotionally draining experience. Even talking about it, Pat McQuillan was very somber. He said it was very moving for him and brought back vivid memories of the teams of firemen, police, and emergency workers who responded first and asked questions afterwards. "I'm proud to have been able to be there, that fatal day in September and proud that I had the opportunity this year to revisit the site."
Adrian Guglielmo and Viviana Pereira are two Putnam County moms. They run an organization called The Support Task Force and are working with the Vietnam Veterans of America and the Vietnam Veterans Assistance Fund to raise money for returning Iraq and Afghanistan veterans.
Guglielmo recalls, "I was too young to know about the Vietnam war but as I got older and learned more about the war and met many Vietnam Veterans I began to realize the sacrifice and dedication these soldiers made to save kids like us. And even though they did not get the recognition they deserved from the country they are determined that "Never again will one generation of veterans abandon another." There is a very strong unspoken bond of kinship amongst veterans especially the Vietnam Veterans.
An associate of theirs, Brian Foley, is a Vietnam Veteran and Sponsorship Chairman of the 25th Vietnam Wall Memorial Parade in Washington, D.C. He asked Adrian and Viviana for help not only because of their experience in putting together an event such as this but also because they have invited over one million members of the Fraternal Order of Elks to march in the parade. The Elks are conducting a national "Donation Coin Can" program to raise money for returning veterans.
In their planning for the parade, Adrian, Viviana, and Brian came to the realization that this is a once in a lifetime occurrence and perhaps veterans from all around the country would like to participate and be part of this great event. On behalf of the VVA in Washington, D.C. they would like to extend an invitation to all veterans, especially Vietnam Veterans, to come march in the parade in Washington on Saturday, November 10, 2007.
Parade Chairman Brian Foley has set up this telephone number for information about participating: 877 PARADE 3 (877 727-2333).
A series of commemorative and educational events held throughout the year will culminate in November 2007 with the Reading of the Names and a special Veterans Day observance at The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall.
The wall has served as a constant reminder of the cost of war. It stands as a symbol of America's honor and recognition of the men and women who served and sacrificed their lives in the Vietnam War the longest war in U.S. history. Inscribed on the black granite wall are the names of more than 58,000 who gave their lives or remain missing.
If you plan on going to Washington, D.C. and marching in the parade please drop me an e-mail note as I will be on the reviewing stand by special invitation taking pictures for the press and I would love to be able to capture your picture; my E-mail address is: greiffedward@gmail.com.
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