The Philadelphia Vietnam Veterans Memorial (PVVM) will be observing its 25th anniversary this year with a series of events and activities focused on telling the 646 stories of city servicemen who gave their lives in that conflict.
"For those of us involved with the Memorial, it's always been about the young men from South Philadelphia, Roxborough, Olney, Port Richmond and the diverse neighborhoods of Philadelphia steeped in tradition and service to their country, " noted Terry A. Williamson, president of the PVVM Fund Board of Directors. "We talk frequently about 'war stories' but it's really these 'Warrior Stories' that deserve telling in Philadelphia"
In that spirit, Williamson noted, the Memorial Fund will be seeking recollections and memorial tributes from family members and others who would like to share their fond memories of those servicemen. The brief biographies and photographs of all 646 servicemen are in the process of being posted on the web site www.pvvm.org. Further information will be available on the web site later this month on how to participate in this activity.
The Fund also is in the process of seeking sponsors for the development of an outdoor interactive display at the Penn's Landing Memorial at Front and Spruce streets where visitors could view those biographies and learn more about the Vietnam War and the Memorial. Interested corporations and patrons for this project can contact the memorial fund for more information.
"These activities are part of a broader effort to increase education and awareness about the Memorial," noted Williamson. "The cost of the war to Philadelphia was staggering. We believe as our motto declares that 'It's our duty to remember.'" The Memorial fund is also reaching out to area schools to determine interest in an education program for students.
The timing for the anniversary observance is ideal because it coincides with the 50th Year Commemoration of the Vietnam War by the U.S. Department of Defense. A number of activities across the country both at the national and local levels will be held over the next few years to honor the members of the Armed Service who participated in that conflict.
A veterans committee, representing a number of organizations, has been established by the PVVM Fund Board of Directors to guide the planning for the 25th Anniversary Observance, including the main events to be held in October. The key events and their sponsors follow. All events will take place at the Memorial at Front and Spruce streets or in the vicinity. For more information, call 267-973-0600 or visit the web site at pvvm.org.
Friday, October 26
- Candlelight Ceremony -- 6:30 p.m.
- Any organization interested in presenting a wreath at the candlelight/name reading ceremony must send name of organization to Sandy Bukowski at VEAPDD214@gmail.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it no later than October 5; and must be ready to present the wreath promptly at 6:30 p.m. Also if you are interested in reading a panel, send your name and requested panel number to the same e-mail address. The event is sponsored by the Liberty Bell Chapter of the VVA 266.
- "R&R" Reception -- 8:00 p.m.
- The reception will cost $30 per person, which covers expenses at the Sheraton Society Hill. Volunteers interested in helping should contact VEAPDD214@gmail.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . For information to order tickets, please use this form.
- 24-hour Vigil -- Sunset
- If you are interested in being part of a 24-hour vigil at the Memorial beginning Friday and ending Saturday, please contact Bill Eaves at william.eves@dla.mil This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Saturday, October 27
- "Operation Brotherly Love II" Parade -- 9:00 a.m.
- The staging area and route for the parade, named after the effort to bring back etchings of names from the national Vietnam Veterans Memorial, is yet to be determined. The event is sponsored by the Philadelphia Veterans Multi-Service and Education Center. More information will be forthcoming at www.pvvm.org and the Center site at pvmsec.org.
- For more information and to register for the parade, please visit the Parade Registration Form or please send completed registration forms (DOC) to: lincoln.strehle@pvmsec.org This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
- Rededication and POW/MIA Ceremony -- noon
- The rededication is sponsored by the PVVM Fund and the POW/MIA ceremony is sponsored by the PVVM Society. For more information, contact the Memorial Fund at 267-973-0600.
- If you would like have an advertisement placed in our 25th anniversary program booklet, visit the Anniversary Ad Form by September 24,2012.