Legion pays respects at Vietnam Veterans Memorial

As their reflections gleamed off of the black granite wall where their fallen loved ones’ names are forever etched, hundreds of American Legion members, veterans and their families converged at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., on Memorial Day to pay respects to the servicemembers who made the ultimate sacrifice.

American Legion National Vice Commander Alan Davis and Executive Director Verna Jones were also in attendance to pay their respects.

Davis said he was honored to have the opportunity to represent The American Legion at the ceremony. A Vietnam War Navy veteran, Davis was overcome with feelings of nostalgia as guest speaker Retired U.S. Marine Capt. Dale Dye shared stories of his time in and out of the Marine Corps. Davis said he was inspired after hearing Dye’s words about veterans making the ultimate sacrifice.

“For those of us who understand the importance of this great memorial to our nation and a generation of veterans who had to fight two wars – one in the jungles, mountains and rice patties of Vietnam, and another war here at home for recognition and respect – this is hallowed ground,” Dye said.

Family members of fallen Vietnam servicemembers whose names were added to the Wall this year also observed the ceremony. As the names of the fallen were read, Davis said he traveled back in time. “There are names on that Wall (who were) classmates of mine that I come back to visit every once in a while,” he said.

In the past year, eight names have been added to the Wall and nine names had their statuses changed from missing in action to killed in action.

After Davis laid a wreath at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in remembrance of the more than 58,000 names on the Wall, Taps played in the distance. “(Visiting the memorial) was heart wrenching,” Davis said. “I have been to the memorial before, but never for something as moving as this. It is something that I will probably never get to experience again.”