The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF) application deadline for Vietnam veterans to be honored at the 2018 In Memory ceremony on the National Mall is March 9. The program honors Vietnam veterans whose lives were cut short as a result of their service in Vietnam, but are not eligible for inscription on The Wall under Department of Defense guidelines. Causes of death that fit the criteria for inclusion in the In Memory program include: exposure to Agent Orange, suicide, cancer, diabetes and heart attack.
“The impact of the Vietnam War stretches far beyond the 58,318 names on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. More than three million Americans served in Vietnam and an untold number of those who served have suffered from service-connected illnesses. No one knew that when the war ended, Vietnam veterans and their families would still be feeling the effects of their service more than 40 years later. In Memory is our way to honor these Vietnam veterans for the sacrifices they made,” said Jim Knotts, president and CEO of VVMF.
The application process is simple. To honor a loved one, you only need to submit the veteran’s DD214 to show their proof of service in Vietnam, a copy of their death certificate and a photograph. The application deadline to be included in the 2018 ceremony is March 9, 2018. Applications can be submitted at www.vvmf.org/inmemory.
The In Memory Day ceremony will be held on June 16 on the East Knoll of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. Family members and friends of honorees are invited to participate and say their loved one’s name in a touching ceremony attended by thousands.
In Memory began in 1999 and has honored more than 3,200 veterans. The In Memory Honor Roll which includes a page for each veteran that has been honored can be accessed at www.vvmf.org/honor-roll. The plaque on the National Mall that honors these veterans was dedicated as a part of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in 2004. It reads: “In Memory of the men and women who served in the Vietnam War and later died as a result of their service. We honor and remember their sacrifice.”
The In Memory program is made possible by the generous contributions of VVMF supporters. To make a donation to support the In Memory program or to learn more about the program, visit www.vvmf.org/inmemory.
About the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF) is the nonprofit organization that founded the Vietnam Veterans Memorial (The Wall) in Washington, D.C., in 1982. VVMF continues to lead the way in paying tribute to our nation’s Vietnam veterans and their families. VVMF’s mission is to honor and preserve the legacy of service in America and educate all generations about the impact of the Vietnam War and era. To learn more about VVMF, visit www.vvmf.org or call (202) 393-0090.
POW/MIA Update
Marine Corps Pfc. Arnold H. Harrison, 19, a WWII veteran, of Detroit, Mich., was buried on March 2nd. in Dallas Texas.
Army Pfc. Lamar E. Newman, 19, a Korean War veteran, from Griffin, Georgia, was buried March 2 in his hometown.
Army Pfc. Leroy Bryant, 22, a Korean War veteran will be buried on March 9 in Columbus, Ohio.
Navy Electricians Mate 3rd Class George H. Gibson, is a WWII veteran. His interment services are still pending.
Army Lt. Col. Robert G. Nopp, a Vietnam War OV-1C pilot, was assigned to the 131st Aviation Company. Nopp was reported missing July 13, 1966. Interment services are pending.
Till next week, praying for all service members.
– Charles Castelluccio
