Few Americans realize the significance of March 29, but all those touched by the Vietnam War do. It’s National Vietnam War Veterans Day; and last Saturday, it was commemorated with a remembrance ceremony in Fairfax City.

Gathering at the Veterans Amphitheater outside City Hall were the Fairfax County Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR); Fairfax Resolves Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution (SAR); VFW Post 8469 and American Legion Post 177.

“We’re privileged to honor all Vietnam veterans and their families today,” said Lori Vintilescu, regent of the Fairfax County DAR chapter. “And we want to individually remember the 147 Fairfax County residents who died in Vietnam and are named on the plaque on the Veterans Monument on the lawn of the Fairfax County Courthouse.”

Larry McKinley, chaplain, Fairfax Resolves SAR chapter, gave the invocation, asking God to hear his prayer for the Vietnam War veterans who sacrificed so much. “Those who we lost are in your loving embrace,” he said. “We ask that you bless their families and meet all their needs. God, we pray you give our veterans peace if they suffer from past trauma. We acknowledge the debt of gratitude we owe them for our country’s freedom.”

David Peters, president, Fairfax Resolves SAR Chapter, said, “Our veterans’ profound sacrifices in the jungles and rice paddies in Vietnam were a testament to their courage, resilience and dedication to duty. They faced unimaginable horrors and hardships, yet they never wavered in their commitment to defend our freedoms and the ideals upon which the country was founded. Many of our Vietnam veterans returned home to a nation divided and torn by the war. They faced prejudice and misunderstanding, but they carried on with dignity and honor. Their experiences forever shaped their lives, and they continue to serve their communities and our nation in countless ways.” 

“We stand in awe of their bravery and sacrifice,” continued Peters. “We’re eternally grateful for their service, and we pledge to never forget the lessons learned from that tumultuous era in our history. Let us use this day to honor Vietnam veterans – those who returned home and those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Let us also reaffirm our commitment to supporting our veterans and their families and ensuring they receive the care and respect they so richly deserve.”         

VFW Post 8469 Commander Mac McCarl said the national Vietnam War commemoration was established in 2012 to thank and honor Vietnam veterans and their families. Then in 2017, the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act set March 29 in perpetuity as “a national day [and holiday] to recognize the previously unsung patriotism of our Vietnam veterans.” 

American Legion Post 177 Commander Eric Parkhurst said that date was chosen for several reasons. “March 29, 1973, was the day U.S. Military Assistance Command, Vietnam was disestablished,” he explained. “It was also the day the last U.S. combat troops departed Vietnam and the day Hanoi released the last of its acknowledged prisoners of war.  

“Our national commemoration honors the 9 million who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces from Nov. 1, 1955, to May 15, 1975. No distinction is being made between veterans who served in-country, in-theater, or who were stationed elsewhere during that time. All were called to serve; and all were seen in the same way by a country that could not separate the war from the warrior. Each person serving then earned and rightly deserves our profound thanks.”

Janice Dixon, honorary regent, Fairfax County Chapter, NSDAR, said all 147 county residents who lost their lives in the Vietnam War would be remembered by reading their names. “As they say at Arlington National Cemetery when you lay a wreath for Wreaths Across America, ‘When you say their names, they are never forgotten,’” she said. 

Although no Vietnam veterans were in the audience, their family members attending the ceremony were acknowledged and applauded. Dixon then noted that, “Sadly, as of today 1,573 Vietnam War veterans are still considered missing in action, and their families await word of their fate as we continue our diligent work to fulfill our promise and bring them home.”

Parkhurst then led a ceremony remembering America’s POW/MIA from that war. He said former and current U.S. military members are “ever mindful that the sweetness of enduring peace has always been tainted by the bitterness of personal sacrifice. We’re compelled to never forget that, while we enjoy our daily pleasures, others have endured and may still be enduring the agonies of pain, deprivation and imprisonment.”

Pointing at a table beside him, he said it occupies a place of dignity and honor and was set for one, symbolizing military personnel “missing from our ranks. They’re the POWs and MIAs. They’re unable to be with their loved ones and families, so we pay humble tribute to them and bear witness to their continued absence. The table is small, symbolizing the frailty of one prisoner, alone against his or her suppressors.”  

Parkhurst said the white tablecloth stood for their pure intentions to respond to their country’s call to arms. And a single rose in a vase signified the blood they shed to protect America’s freedom. “This rose also reminds us of our missing comrades’ families and friends who keep faith while awaiting their return,” he said. “The red ribbon on the vase represents an unyielding determination for a proper accounting of those who aren’t among us.”

In addition, a lemon slice on the plate symbolized their bitter fate, and salt sprinkled on the plate stood for the countless, fallen tears of their families. An inverted glass reminded others that the POW/MIA can’t raise a toast with them, and an empty chair was because they’re not here. But a candle and small flag were also on the table.

“The candle is reminiscent of the light of hope, which lives in our hearts to illuminate their way home, away from their captors, and into the open arms of a grateful nation,” said Parkhurst. “The American flag reminds us that many of them may never return and have paid the supreme sacrifice to insure our freedom. Let us pray that all our comrades will soon be back within our ranks. Remember and never forget their sacrifice. May God forever watch over them and protect them and their families.”

Jim Cordes with the Fairfax Resolves then spoke about a Pennsylvania family’s sorrow after being notified in 1966, three days before Christmas, that their son, 21, was reported missing in Vietnam. Marine Cpl. John Keiper was a helicopter-repair expert returning from a helicopter-maintenance mission Nov. 15, 1966, when the Army reconnaissance plane he was in disappeared 20-30 miles from his home base, Da Nang. 

He was later promoted to sergeant but was never found. Nonetheless, while awaiting further news about him, his parents, Helen and Chuck Keiper, kept a bottle of champagne chilled in the refrigerator for his return. They and his siblings tried not to give up hope, even as the years passed.

But both parents died – Chuck in 1973 and Helen in 1999 – never learning the fate of their son. In 1978, John was officially presumed dead. Today, his name is on the headstone of an empty grave between those of his parents. It’s also inscribed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.  

Next, as the names of Fairfax County’s fallen Vietnam veterans were read, attendees each placed a yellow flower into a wreath in their honor. One of the names was Sgt. James W. Robinson Jr., the first Virginia resident to be awarded the Medal of Honor during the Vietnam War. In April 1966, at age 25, he was fatally wounded under heroic circumstances in South Vietnam, while serving in the Army infantry. Robinson Secondary School was named after him.

Then people wishing to honor other veterans were invited to speak. (See sidebar).

McCarl said that, over the past 13 years, there have been more than 27,000 Vietnam War commemorations across the U.S., thanking and honoring the 4 million Vietnam veterans and their families. And Parkhurst presented specially designed lapel pins to each Vietnam veteran in attendance.

Linda Thompson, chaplain, Fairfax County DAR chapter, gave the closing benediction in gratitude for Vietnam veterans’ dedication to duty, endurance in hardship and commitment to one another and their nation. “Bless those who served, Lord,” she said. “May they find peace in knowing their sacrifices aren’t forgotten. Heal the wounds of body, mind, and spirit for those still bearing them. Grant them the honor and respect they deserve.

“For the families who endured separation, loss and the burdens of war, we ask Your comfort. May they find strength in the love of this grateful nation and assurance that their sacrifices, too, are recognized. And we entrust those who made the ultimate sacrifice to Your eternal care. 

“May their names be etched not only in stone but in our hearts forever. Let us ensure that their bravery is never forgotten, and that peace is always pursued. May we walk in unity, ever committed to justice, freedom and the dignity of all who serve.”