American Legion Family members lay wreaths as part of Memorial Day commemoration ceremonies in D.C.
France Hoang, a former U.S. Army Ranger, was among the last evacuees from Saigon as the city fell just over 50 years ago. Hoang’s story captivated those in attendance during the annual Memorial Day observances at the Vietnam Memorial Wall on May 26.
“Today we gather at this sacred place, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, to honor those whose names are etched on this wall and reflect on the enduring impact of their service,” said Hoang, who was born in war-torn Vietnam in 1973. “My father was a South Vietnamese Army officer and my mother worked in the U.S. Naval Attaché Office. Just days before Saigon fell, my family escaped on a U.S. Air Force C-141 Starlifter. We found refuge in America. I was blessed with a childhood of freedom, of opportunity, of peace, a stark contrast to what might have been growing up.”
To the Vietnam War veterans, Hoang offered a special message.
“You embody the very best of duty and devotion to country,” he said. “More than 2 million Vietnamese Americans, myself included, are living proof that you made a difference. We are your legacy, grateful for your service, your example, and the unspoken burdens you still carry. We will forever honor you and the price you paid for our freedom.”
American Legion National Vice Commander Roger Mathison, who served stateside in the Army from 1971 to 1973 as an EOD specialist in the 88th Ord Det, led the American Legion Family delegation that placed wreaths to honor the 58,749 memorialized on the Wall and later at the Women’s Vietnam Memorial.
“I was very impressed with the ceremony, it’s always very moving,” said Mathison, a member of Coon Valley American Legion Post 116 in Coon Valley, Wis. “It’s like ghosts of soldiers past come to visit you. The reverence of the day and placing the wreath at the Wall really brought home that we are here to serve past and present veterans. It was a somber reminder of why we are serving now.”
Mathison referenced comments made by another speaker, former Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, about the importance of educating others on the sacrifices made.
“It’s what The American Legion believes — and what I believe — that it is up to us to educate the generation behind us of the sacrifices made by others,” Mathison said.
Sons of The American Legion National Commander Joseph Navarrete, who attended the previous Veterans Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, compared the two events.
“The biggest difference for me, being at the Wall today, was it hit a little closer to home,” said Navarrete, a charter member of Otero-Garcia-Navarrete Squadron 72 in Albuquerque, N.M. “It was a little bit emotional. I have an uncle (Frank Montoya) who was in the Vietnam War and he did not experience a good time coming back. A lot of his stories were about hurt and pain.”
Navarrete’s Sons eligibility stems from his father, Tony Navarrete, a Vietnam-era Army veteran. “To enjoy the liberties we have today, because of them, means so much.”
Retired Army Col. Janet Southby noted the war’s anniversary during her speech.
“My brothers and sisters, it's been a long time coming, but the 50th anniversary of the commemoration of the Vietnam War has strived to acknowledge all who participated their services, sacrifices and contributions, all Vietnam veterans,” said Southby, who served in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps for 31 years and as chief of the Department of Nursing at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center.
In her speech, Southby talked about how it was an honor to serve and how the memorials carry on the legacies of those who did.
“This Wall, the Statue of Three Servicemen and the Women's Vietnam Memorial, have become significant memories of a challenging period in our history,” she said. “Many come here and return often for comfort and solace and to reflect on the meaning of patriotism, sacrifice and courage.”
Representing the American Legion Auxiliary was Lauren Lloyd, vice president of the Eastern Division. Lloyd, a member of Unit 1 in Washington, D.C., was also the representative on Veterans Day for the wreath-laying at the Wall.
“Today was a bit more somber,” she said. “When Col. Southby talked about her experiences, a lot of the people around us were affected. It was more heavy today. They were not only remembering being there but also who they lost. It was a bit harder today.”
- Memorial Day