Nearly 200 people attended the National Vietnam Veterans Day ceremony at Veterans Park, including Veterans and Gold Star Families. The Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017, signed by President Donald Trump, designates March 29 as National Vietnam War Veterans Day.
US Army Vietnam Veteran Bob Bronson served as master of ceremonies when Vietnam Veterans were joined by the Combined VFW and American Legion Color Guard and Honor Guard, Auxiliary and DAR in the annual observance. Eleven young men from Naperville who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Vietnam War again were recognized.
US Army Vietnam Veteran Phil Maughan and DAR Fort Payne Chapter member Karen Hartsfield presented wreaths.
US Marine Vietnam Veteran Wayne Fischer provided a brief history of “Vietnam Wall of Remembrance,” followed by US Army Vietnam Veteran Mike Barbour’s reading of the words on the “The Vietnam Memorial Wall” panel on display.
US Navy Vietnam Veteran Bob Grember acknowledged the “Eleven Naperville Fallen.”
Before the audience headed to the Gold Star Families Memorial Monument, also located in Veterans Park, Auxiliary member Jenny Dawley recited the words to “More than a Name on a Wall,” a song recorded by the Statler Brothers in 1988.
And Bronson wrapped up the ceremony at the Veterans Park flag monument. “War is Hell,” he said. “Men and Women die in service their country. In doing so, they protected our many freedoms. The 58,000-plus men and women who died in Vietnam allowed all of us that made it home to raise families, create careers in business, and for many of us, the opportunity to serve here at home in helping our fellow Veterans that are in need.”
Bronson continued, “We owe those who paid the ultimate sacrifice, to keep their memories alive so our youth can understand what our Freedoms mean in today’s world. Be sure to thank all that served for their service and especially to those families who lost sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, moms and dads. One cannot express enough appreciation for their sacrifice.”
Mayor Scott Wehrli mentioned during his remarks on the chilly, overcast afternoon that the windy day had created the memorable sound of flapping American flags. For many in attendance, whatever the day, the American flag represents service, sacrifice and the defense of freedom that isn’t free. The service flags in place throughout Veterans Park always are a reminder of this nation’s precious freedom with gratitude to all families who serve.
Music selections were sung by The Chorus of DuPage.
Final Honors were offered by Chaplin Jim Oftedal and the Naperville Combined Post Honor Guard with sounds of “Echo Taps” by Doug Carmichael and Bob Binder.
“Amazing Grace” was performed on bagpipes by Kolleen Monahan to conclude the observance.
The Naperville community is honored to recognize all military service through local memorials, including the Spirit of the American Doughboy, Veterans Valor and the Spirit of the American Navy as well as a temporary replica of the Vietnam Memorial Wall that has been set up three times in recent years. On National Vietnam Veterans Day, the fallen heroes from Naperville were remembered individually with plaques at Veterans Park and again at the Gold Star Families Memorial Monument. In 2027, the observance again will be March 29.
Since 1989, Veterans Park has been located at 303 E. Gartner Road across from Grace United Methodist Church. The Gold Star Families Memorial Monument, depicting “Homeland, Family, Patriot and Sacrifice,” was dedicated for Memorial Day 2023.
Our aim is for photos to help tell the story of this meaningful remembrance.
Find additional photos by James Hoch Photography.
