By ROD KING

For the Northwest News

More than 100 Vietnam veterans, their families and friends attended the Veterans National Memorial Shrine and Museum commemoration service for Vietnam Veterans Day.

It was an emotional scene as more 150 names of servicemen and -women who died in that conflict and are listed on the Vietnam Wall at the O’Day Road facility were recognized. The names, which were read by Vietnam veterans, represented communities throughout northeast Indiana. The names of eight nurses whose names are engraved in the wall were also read.

The program, which was held in the large garage at the shrine because of strong winds and cool temperatures, began with members of the Marine Corps League No. 1435 color guard presenting the colors. That was followed by a prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance and the national anthem sung by Lisa McDavid. Featured speaker Jeff Goshert, a helicopter pilot during the war, gave an account of how a good friend of his who was wounded during the conflict returned to devote his life to helping others.

Veterans National Memorial Shrine and Museum Commander Greg Bedford pointed out that since the end of the war 7 million Vietnam veterans have died. “We honor their service as well and remind everyone that this place is where no veteran will ever be forgotten.”

Two Ohio veterans were on hand to present checks to the VNMSM. Larry Heitmeyer of American Legion Post No. 715 in Fort Jennings and Dave Schimmoeller of VFW Post #3740 in Ottoville each presented checks for $1,000. “This is a good cause, we support veterans and we wanted to help,” they said.

Among military observances, National Vietnam Veterans Day is relatively new. In 2012, then-President Barack Obama proclaimed the holiday for the purpose of commemorating the service and sacrifices made by the millions who were involved in the war. In 2017, then-President Donald Trump signed it into law.

Normally, it would have been observed on March 29 because that was the day in 1973 that the last American combat troops left South Vietnam to return to the United States. However, Saturday, March 25, was chosen so more veterans could attend the event.

The ceremony concluded with the playing of taps after which many of the attendees headed to the wall to look up comrades’ names.