Patuxent River, MD — The world seemed to stop for an hour as military officials and veterans gathered to honor all who made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation.
Held at the base parade grounds May 26, the Naval Air Station at Patuxent River hosted a Memorial Day Commemoration emphasizing the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. The event featured the Vietnam Unforgettable Memories group and the Naval District Washington Drill Team.
The best way to honor those who serve is continue hosting events like this, said Mickey Fur, retired Navy commander.
“Aside from these kinds of events, just having respect for the service that the men and women give to us is important. It was a nice day to have this kind of event,” said Fur.
The service and sacrifice of veterans cannot be overlooked, and it is they who we have gathered to thank, said Capt. Scott Starkey, Naval Air Station Commanding Officer Capt. Scott Starkey.
“The contributions of veterans have paved the way for future generations, and created a benchmark for Americans in uniform and out to hold themselves to,” said Starkey. “Your loved ones’ sacrifice for their country can never be repaid, and we must always strive to honor their memories.”
The event was geared towards reflecting on the burdens that have been borne by our Vietnam veterans, said Starkey.
“From the Tonkin Gulf, to Operation Rolling Thunder, the Tet Offensive of 1968, and countless other operations, the Vietnam War incorporated the entirety of the United States’ Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard personnel,” said Starkey. “Many performed their roles in the service of their country without recognition. We take this opportunity to pay tribute to the wounded, missing, and fallen of the Vietnam War, and their families, men and women who have known the true costs of conflict and deserve our deepest respect.”
Along with others, guest speaker and retired U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Arnold Fields represented the Vietnam War Commemoration at the event.
The Commemoration was created after the 2008 National Defense Authorization Act was passed, and authorized the secretary of Defense to conduct a program to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War, said Fields.
“The commemorative program will include activities and ceremonies to achieve certain objectives. The main one is to thank and honor veterans of the Vietnam War, including personnel who were held as prisoners of war (POW), or listed as missing in action (MIA), for their service and sacrifice on behalf of the United States and to thank and honor the families of these veterans,” said Fields. “ We also want to highlight the advances in technology, science, and medicine related to military research conducted during the Vietnam War, as well as recognizing the contributions and sacrifices made by allies of the United States during that time.”
A solemn POW/MIA table was on display at the event, recognizing the fallen and missing heroes that serve the nation and their families that wait for them at home.
The small round table, set for one, was covered with a crisp white table cloth. An empty chair accompanied the display. Laid out on the table were a lit candle, a bread plate with a slice of lemon and sprinkle of salt, an inverted glass, a single rose in a small vase with a red ribbon tied around it. A brief ceremony highlighted the significance of the display, and stressed the importance of remembering those who served.
Starkey and Fields helped the Vietnam Unforgettable Memories group pin participating veterans to recognize their service and then honored fallen members of the military with a wreath laying ceremony.
Before hosting a barbecue lunch for event attendees, the Naval District Washington Drill Team showed their gun slinging skills with a short demonstration.
Jacqui Atkielski can be contacted via email at j.atkielski@thebaynet.com
