Updated Post, March 29, 2022 / Many caring, reasonable and generous members of our Naperville community served in Vietnam or during the Vietnam era. Today, all military men and women who sacrificed, served and continue to serve will be remembered as the nation observes National Vietnam War Veterans Day.
During the Naperville observance at 10:30AM March 29, Vietnam Veterans led prayers and remembrances fitting the solemn occasion when signs nd banners proclaimed Veterans who served were united again and a wreath was presented to remember the fallen.
Past Commander of the Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873 Bob Bronson recited the poignant words credited to Jeremiah A. Denton Jr. that reflect how the soldier helps protect the First Amendment:
“It is the soldier, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press. It is the soldier, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech. It is the soldier, not the campus organizer, who has given us the freedom to demonstrate. It is the soldier, who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag and whose coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protester to burn the flag.”
Under the leadership of Veteran Jim Oftedal, Naperville’s Honor Guard performed military honors with a rifle salute and Taps.
FYI: Often quoted Denton (1924-2014) served as U.S. Navy Rear Admiral, Naval Aviator and a former U.S. Senator from Alabama. He spent almost eight years as a prisoner of war in Vietnam.
Original Post, March 22, 2022 / National “Vietnam War Veterans Day” 2022 will be observed in Naperville beginning at 10:30AM Tues., March 29, at Veterans Park, 303 E. Gartner Road.
All Vietnam Veterans are encouraged to attend.
The 30-minute ceremony will honor all men and women who served during the conflict as well as all who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
Founded in 2017, this national day now is recognized annually on March 29. Last year was the first time Vietnam War Veterans Day was observed publicly in Naperville.
Aside from honoring those individuals who fought and served in the military during the 20-year conflict, the day is intended to express appreciation to all support organizations that assisted during the war. Sources note the observance is a time “to recognize wartime contributions at home; the advancements in technology, science, and medicine; and the contributions by American allies.”
“March 29, 2022, marks the 49th Anniversary of our departure from Vietnam,” said Wayne Fischer, VN ’67-68, USMC.
“While this has been a well-kept secret, we will be holding a brief program honoring all that served back then, especially those the ‘gave their all’ in service to our country. In addition, we will honor and recognize our ‘11 Naperville Fallen’ in the Vietnam War as they each paid the ultimate price for our freedoms.”
This observance will be open to the public, especially all Veterans, Fischer said.
Parking will be available across Gartner Road at Grace United Methodist Church.
Fischer also would appreciate help spreading the word to all Veterans about this special day of remembrance, National Vietnam War Veterans Day, on March 29.
After the ceremony, folks are welcome to head over to Mission BBQ where all Veterans will receive a complimentary sandwich. Arrive by noon when the National Anthem is played, a daily observance at Mission BBQ.
American Legion Riders also will be selling the RED (Remember Everyone Deployed) shirts that same day at Mission BBQ. Funds raised will benefit the Gold Star Families Memorial Monument that when finished later this year will stand as part of the Century Walk tour in Veterans Park.
In Naperville, Mission BBQ is located at 376 Route 59 just north of Aurora Avenue.
