From Stafford County:
More than 58,000 members of the United States armed forces lost their lives in the Vietnam War. The remaining American men and women who served, 6.4 million who are alive today, bear witness to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. This year, Stafford County dedicates its annual Memorial Day Ceremony to the fallen in the Vietnam War and invites the families of the fallen, Vietnam War veterans, and the public to help remember them. Out of deference to other local observations, the ceremony occurs on Friday, May 28, at 10:00 a.m. at the Armed Services memorial located to the rear of the George L. Gordon, Jr., Government Center, 1300 Courthouse Road, Stafford (22554).
“Last year was the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War Commemoration, and due to the pandemic, most events were not held,” said Chairman of the Stafford Board of Supervisors Crystal Vanuch, Rock Hill District. “We want to show the families of those who were lost as well as their fellow service members that we remember and honor their sacrifice.”
The ceremony will feature a roster of Vietnam Veterans. Lt. Gen. Ron Christmas is the keynote speaker. Gen. Christmas served in the United States Marine Corps, retiring after 34 years of active duty service. Gen. Christmas was awarded the Marine’s second-highest award for valor, the Navy Cross, for his actions during the Battle for Hue City. Gen. Christmas was seriously wounded and spent a year in the hospital before resuming his service in the Marines. Gen. Christmas was also a member of the Stafford Armed Services Memorial Commission and integral in establishing the memorial. Gen. Christmas served as the president and chief executive of the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation and spearheaded the fundraising efforts to establish and build the National Museum of the Marine Corps.
Singing the National Anthem is Daniel Cortez, Marine Corps Vietnam veteran who serves as the Chairman of the National Vet Court Alliance and as a commissioner on the Commission on Hispanic Prosperity.
Reverend John Anthony White, Associate Pastor of Bethlehem Primitive Baptist Church, will give the invocation. Rev. White served in the United States Air Force, retiring as a major in 1986. Rev. White was the commander of American Legion Post 329 for 26 years and has assisted many veterans in navigating the system to obtain Veterans Administration benefits.
Stafford invites Vietnam veterans and the friends and families of anyone who gave their lives during the Vietnam War to attend the ceremony. The County has partnered with the Vietnam War Commemoration to provide Vietnam War Commemoration lapel pins to all Vietnam War veterans who attend.
