SAR honors Vietnam Era veterans and families at Winchester National Cemetery

The American Red Cross and Colonel James Wood II participants. (Photos courtesy of Thomas “Chip” Daniel)

On March 29, 2023, the Colonel James Wood II Chapter of the Virginia Society, Sons of the American Revolution and the Winchester American Red Cross co-sponsored a ceremony to honor veterans of the Vietnam War.  The event was conducted at National Cemetery, Winchester, Virginia.  Ed Helphinstine, Regional Program Officer Service to the Armed Forces, American Red Cross opened the ceremony with the Colonel James Wood II, Sons of the American Revolution Color Guard presenting and posting the colors.

National Vietnam Veterans Day was established for Americans to remember and commemorate the service and sacrifices made by nearly three million service members who served in Vietnam, all who served and their families during the era November 1, 1955 to May 15, 1975, regardless of location.  No distinction is made between those who served in-country or who were stationed else.  All were called and none could self-determine where they would serve.  The Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017 was signed into law by 45th U.S. President Donald J. Trump, designating every March 29 as National Vietnam War Veterans Day.  It was chose as the day U.S. Military Assistance Command, Vietnam was disestablished, the last U.S. combat troops departed Vietnam and Hanoi released the last of its acknowledged prisoners of war.

Congress outlined five objectives for The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration, with the primary objective to thank and honor Vietnam veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice on behalf of the Nation, with distinct recognition of former prisoners of war and families of those still listed as missing in action.  The four remaining objectives highlight the service of our Armed Forces and support organizations during the war; pay tribute to wartime contributions at home by American citizens; highlight technology, science and medical advances made during the war; and recognize contributions by our Allies.

Presentation of the American Flag: Brett Osborn, Jim Cordes and Richard Tyler.

Edie McGoff, provided a Missing Man Tribute while Jerry Headley posted the POW/MIA flag to honor the 1,264 Americans who remain unaccounted for in Vietnam.  Dale Corey gave a tribute to veterans followed by a recognition of Vietnam Veterans and Families.  Military and Red Cross flags were posted with escorts from the era.  For the U.S. Army, Rich Petro; U.S. Marine Corps, James Wolfe, U.S. Navy, William H. Hyman; U.S. Coast Guard, Jerry Horna (US Navy); U.S. Air Force, Cleatus Bell and American Red Cross, Narce Caliva.  The Colonel James Wood II Musket Squad fired a three round salute to commemorate the veterans and families of the era.  This was followed with Darline and Robert DeMott leading the singing of “God Bless America” and closing remarks from Stacy McFarland, Executive Director and Jeff Kirby, USA Veteran and Board Member of the ARC of the Greater Shenandoah Valley.  The Colonel James Wood II color guard was commanded by Brett Osborn and included Sean Carrigan, Jim Cordes (dual member from Fairfax Resolves), Dale Corey, Thomas “Chip” Daniel, Doug Hall, Allan Phillips, Marc Robinson and Richard Tyler.

Dale Corey and Jerry Headley posting the POW/MIA Flag.