Respectful. Memorable. Honorable. Thoughtful. Prayerful. Today, March 29
The National Vietnam Veterans Day ceremony in Veteran Parks attracted nearly 200 individuals including Veterans and Gold Star Families to observe the annual day of remembrance with family, friends and neighbors.
According to Congress.gov, The Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017 was signed
into law on March 28, 2017, by U.S. President Donald J. Trump, designating every March 29 as National Vietnam War Veterans Day.
Vietnam Veterans Bob Bronson, Wayne Fischer and Phil Maughan, each associated with the Judd Kendall VFW Post 3863 or the American Legion Post 43, led the program with memories and thoughtful reflection. Wreaths were presented by Veterans organizations and the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Today’s program was accompanied by the Honor Guard, Color Guard and all-American songs performed by the Chorus of DuPage. Naperville Mayor Scott Wehrli also offered his appreciation during brief remarks at the Gold Star Families Memorial, also located in Veterans Park.
Lyrics with heartfelt meaning in a song written by Jimmy Fortune and John Rimel, and recorded n 1989 by The Statler Brothers, were recited by Jenny Dawley.
More Than a Name on a Wall
by Jimmy Fortune & John Rimel (1989)
I saw her from a distance
As she walked up to the wall
In her hand she held some flowers
As her tears began to fall
She took out pen and paper
As to trace her memories
She looked up to heaven
And the words she said were these:
She said, “Lord, my boy was special
And he meant so much to me!
You know I’d love to see him
Just one more time you see
All I have are the memories
And the moments to recall!
So, Lord, could you tell him
He’s more than a name on a wall?”
She said he really missed his family
Being home on Christmas Day
And he died for God and country
In a place so far away
I remember just a little boy
Playing war since he was 3!
But Lord, this time I know
He’s not coming home to me
She said, “Lord, my boy was special
And he meant so much to me!
The words to “More Than a Name on the Wall” said it all about too many who gave all, reminding this editor of lyrics to another song written and recorded by Billy Ray Cyrus in 1992.
Some Gave All
by Billy Ray Cyrus (1992)
I knew a man, called him Sandy Cane
Few folks even knew his name
But a hero yes was he
He left a boy came back a man
Still many just don’t understand
About the reasons we are free
I can’t forget the look in his eyes
Or the tears he cried
As he said these words to me
All gave some and some gave all
Some stood through for the red, white, and blue
And some had to fall
And if you ever think of me
Think of all your liberties, and recall
Some gave all
Now Sandy Cane is no longer here
But his words are oh so clear
As they echo throughout our land
For all his friends who gave us all
Who stood the ground and took the fall
To help their fellow man
Love your country live with pride
And don’t forget those who died
America, can’t you see
All gave some
And some gave all
And some stood through for the red, white, and blue
And some had to fall
And if you ever think of me
Think of all your liberties, and recall
Some gave all
And if you ever think of me
Think of all your liberties, and recall, yes recall
Some gave all
Some gave all
YouTube includes recordings of both songs. Search for the songs online. Listen when you can. Likely the lyrics will inspire appreciation to all who serve honorably. Remember National Vietnam Veterans Day annually on March 19.
The City of Naperville, Illinois, touted as tops in many national surveys, has attracted a culture of volunteer can-do spirit and risk taking that dates back to 1831. Naperville also has been blessed with its active Veterans community for more than 100 years. —PN
Look ahead to Memorial Day & Veterans Day Week 2025
The Naperville Memorial Day Parade again is set for the last Monday in May. The 2025 Parade will step off at 10:30AM Mon., May 26.
Registration is now open to enter marching bands and veterans organizations until May 1. For complete details regarding all observances in Naperville on Memorial Day, visit www.napervillememorialdayparade.org/.
Save the dates! From November 7-12, 2025, the Naperville Healing Field of Honor with American flags again will be held along the Naperville Riverwalk at Rotary Hill. Watch for event details to be forthcoming regarding special recognition and added attractions such as the replica of the Vietnam Wall created by Blooming Color to honor all the men and women who have served the armed services. Individual flags will be $40. All proceeds from sponsorships and flag sales (Imagine 2,025 flags flying in the breeze!) will benefit programs provided by Operation Support Our Troops – America.
RELATED PN POSTS / PHOTOS OF PREVIOUS HEALING FIELDS OF FLAGS
James Hoch Photography features the National Vietnam Veterans Day Observance in Naperville. “Today the weather held out for a beautifully touching Vietnam Veterans Day Service at Veterans Park,” noted Hoch when he sent his photos at 11:15PM. Those photos can be viewed at jameshochphotography.smugmug.com/Military/Veterans-Day-and-Healing/Vietnam-Veterans-Day-2025.
