Marine Corps Base Quantico --
The Department of Defense and Marine Corps Base Quantico
have teamed up to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the start of the Vietnam
War.
As a DOD commemorative partner with plans to observe the
war’s beginnings, Quantico has pledged to hold events starting next year to
honor the many service members, their families and civilians who supported the
American effort in Southeast Asia.
Col. David W. Maxwell, commander, Quantico, accepted a
formal proclamation from President Barack Obama, an official certificate and a
commemorative flag honoring all those who served during Friday’s ceremony at
Lejeune Hall.
The observance marked the kick-off of a number of
upcoming activities nationwide over the next decade to remember the conflict
that ran from 1964 to 1975 and claimed more than 58,000 American lives.
Commemorative partners must commit to honoring those
served in Vietnam by conducting two events each year from 2015-2017. Maxwell
said he foresaw a number of such realistic possibilities for Quantico,
including the merging with previously scheduled events on George Washington’s
birthday and the Armed Forces Appreciation Day among others.
“We’ve got some opportunities that will make for a great
year,” Maxwell said.
Retired Maj. Gen. Arnold Fields made the presentation
that included several videos and a brief talk about what he called “a very
tumultuous period in the history of the United States” to Maxwell and Col.
Allen D. Broughton, chief of staff, Marine Corps National Capital Region/MCB
Quantico.
The planned festivities mark a stark contrast to the cool
reception many Vietnam veterans originally received after returning home. Obama
has called their treatment “a national shame, a disgrace that should have never
happened.”
Correcting that historical wrong was what DOD had in mind
when it announced plans in 2011 to commemorate the start of the Vietnam War as
a way to thank and honor all veterans, including those held as prisoners of war
or listed as missing in action, for their service and sacrifice on America’s
behalf. The DOD also hoped to recognize all military families and civilians who
worked in support of the war effort.
“While no words will ever fully be worthy of their
service, nor any honor truly befitting their sacrifice, let us remember that
it’s never too late to pay tribute to the men and women who answered the call
of duty with courage and valor,” Obama wrote in the certificate.
The flag is a testament to the contributions made by so
many during the Vietnam War. A representation of the Vietnam Service Medal
(ribbon) rests below the inner ring of the Seal. The red, white and blue inner
rings represent the American flag and are intended to recognize every American
who contributed to the war effort.
The outer black ring serves as a reminder to those who
were killed in action, held as prisoner of war or listed as missing in action
from the conflict. The black ring intentionally surrounds the red, white and
blue rings to call attention to their sacrifices, the sacrifices of their
families and the defense of America’s freedom.
Within the blue ring are the words “Service, Valor and
Sacrifice,” highlighting the virtues demonstrated by our veterans during the
Vietnam War. The gold-rimmed white star between the words “Service” and “Valor”
represents hope for the families of veterans for whom there has been no full
accounting. The blue-rimmed gold star located between the words “Valor” and
“Sacrifice” represents the families of those veterans who were killed during
the war. The blue star at the bottom of the inner blue ring represents the
families of all veterans and symbolizes their support from home.
At the bottom of the inner blue ring are six white stars,
three of each side of the blue star. The six white stars represent the
contributions by the U.S. and its allies in Australia, New Zealand, The
Philippines, Korea and Thailand.
The center circle contains a map of Vietnam in black
outline relief, signifying the country and the Vietnamese veterans who stood with
our veterans. The subdued outlines of Cambodia, Laos and Thailand represent the
area of operations where U.S. armed forces served.
The green laurel wreath signifies honor for all who
served.
Maxwell said the idea of honoring those who served in the
controversial war especially hits home with him because of a friend who is
often asked if he’d ever returned to Vietnam.
“I was there last night,” is often his friend’s response,
Maxwell said.
jhollis@quanticosentryonline.com