Vietnam Veterans Honored in Winchester and Middletown Ceremonies

On March 29, 2025, the Col. James Wood II Chapter of the Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution led two heartfelt ceremonies to commemorate National Vietnam Veterans Day, honoring the courage and sacrifice of those who served during one of the most challenging periods in American military history.

This year marked the 50th anniversary of the end of U.S. combat operations in Vietnam. The date, designated by the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act, was chosen to mark the disestablishment of the United States Military Assistance Command Vietnam and the departure of the last American combat troops on March 29, 1973. National Vietnam Veterans Day pays tribute to all veterans who served between November 15, 1955, and May 15, 1975—whether in-country, in-theater, or elsewhere on active duty. It also provides special recognition to former prisoners of war and the families of those still listed as missing in action.

Color guard presenting colors at National Cemetery, l. to r. Allan Phillips, Will Reynolds, Paul Christensen, Ray Hawkins, Chip Daniel, Clay Robinson, Paul Parish, and Sean Carrigan.  (Photo courtesy of Marc Robinson.)

The day began with a morning ceremony at the National Cemetery in Winchester, co-sponsored by the American Red Cross. Retired U.S. Army Colonel Doug Moore and his wife Debby Moore, who served with Army Special Services in Vietnam, shared their experiences from the war, offering powerful insights into the realities faced by both military personnel and those who supported them.

A solemn moment was provided by Edie and George Donovan of the American Red Cross, who set up a Missing Man Table—a symbolic tribute to those still unaccounted for. Recognition of Vietnam veterans was presented by Nancy Braswell. The Col. James Wood II Chapter Color Guard presented the colors and concluded the ceremony with a musket salute, adding a dignified military tribute to the event.

This commemorative effort received generous support from several local organizations, including the National Cemetery Administration Culpeper, AmVets Post 18 Ladies Auxiliary, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2123, Vietnam Veterans Association Chapter 2019, and the Fort Loudoun Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Participants at Veterans Park, Middletown.  (Photo courtesy of Larry Clowser Webb.

Later that day, a second ceremony was held at Veterans Park in Middletown, in partnership with the Town of Middletown. The event drew veterans, families, and community members together in solemn remembrance and celebration of Vietnam-era service.

Jerry Headley, a Vietnam veteran and member of the Col. James Wood II Chapter, shared a personal presentation on his service, helping the audience better understand the challenges faced by soldiers during the war. The chapter’s color guard again presented the colors and provided a musket salute in honor of all Vietnam veterans.

Virginia State SAR President Dr. Michael Weyler delivered remarks and led the wreath presentations. Wreaths were placed by Randy Atkins, Virginia Society 3rd Vice President representing the Fort Harrison Chapter; Paul Christensen for Col. James Wood II; Ken Morris for George Mason Chapter; Paul Parish for General Daniel Morgan; Bill Tugman for Col. Fielding Lewis; Susan Lauer for Fort Loudoun DAR; Leslie Caliva and George Donovan for the American Red Cross; and Charles Harbaugh on behalf of the Town of Middletown.

Musket squad firing a salute, l. to r. Allan Phillips, Bill Tubman, Bryan Buck, Sean Carrigan, Chip Daniel, Dale Corey, Brian Bayliss, Will Reynolds, and drummer Doug Hall. (Photo courtesy of Larry Clowser Webb.)

The Color Guard, under the command of Allan Phillips, featured representatives from multiple SAR chapters, demonstrating unity and shared purpose. Members included Brian Bayliss, Bryan Buck, Sean Carrigan, Paul Christensen, Dale Corey, Chip Daniel, Doug Hall, Phil Hunter, Will Reynolds, Clay Robinson, Marc Robinson, and Jim Simmons from the Col. James Wood II Chapter; Ken Morris from the George Mason Chapter; Bill Tugman from Col. Fielding Lewis; Paul Parish from General Daniel Morgan; and Ray Hawkins from Col. William Grayson.

Together, these ceremonies served not only as a public expression of gratitude but also as a reminder that the sacrifices of Vietnam veterans must never be forgotten. As one speaker noted, these brave men and women were called to serve and had no control over where they were sent—but all answered the call with honor.