Several weeks ago, alongside
Arlington National Cemetery (ANC), we hosted a public
tram tour to honor Vietnam veterans. The September 27 expedition filled up quickly, and participants’ feedback affirmed it was a resounding success! Highlights featured five
grave site visits of Vietnam War veterans representing the various service branches of our U.S. Armed Forces: The 65th Secretary of State, U.S. Army General Colin L. Powell; The 29th Commandant of the Marine Corps, General Alfred M. Gray, Jr.; Navy “Seawolves” Aviator, Commander Charles S. Sapp; Coast Guard Aviator, Lieutenant Jack C. Rittichier, who went missing during a 1968 flight mission (remains recovered in 2003); and Air Force Flight Engineer, Staff Sergeant Donald T. Dionne Sr., who perished in 1975 while ferrying orphans out of Saigon amidst Operation Baby Lift. Other notable stops included the
Vietnam Helicopter Pilot and Crewmember Monument and Memorial Tree (at right), and the
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Guests traveled from near and far, including one 78 year-old Minnesota Vietnam veteran making the journey with his daughter
specifically for this tour. Visibly moved early on, he was powerfully impacted at the conclusion when presented a
Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pin in recognition of his service. View ANC's
tour blog post, and catch their
short video for compelling summaries of the event.
As we wind down the year, remember
December 31 is the final day to become a
Commemorative Partner,
March 15, 2025 is the last day to
submit event requests (DD2956), and
March 31, the
final day to host events with
support!
Finally, as you conduct
Veterans Day observances and other events, consider adding our
brand new 2-minute video,
Join the Nation … thank a Vietnam veteran to your program! Enjoy this legacy piece via the photo and title links above.
In the resounding words of Secretary of Defense,
Lloyd J. Austin III, “let’s all strive to be worthy of the valor and the patriotism shown by America’s veterans today and every day.”