24-hour vigil held for Vietnam dead
The sign hanging Saturday afternoon at AMVETS Post 103 read simply, “Remember.” And though the weather was cold and rain sprinkled for a moment or two, those who gathered did exactly that, as members of Post 103 completed their 24-hour vigil to show that the memories of the 50 men from Fayette County who died in Vietnam are not forgotten.
Lew Hosler, who spoke during a brief ceremony to end the vigil, said the rain he stood in Friday evening reminded him of the blowing rain he withstood in Vietnam and the memories that he still keeps in his heart every day.
“We still feel the sickness, the injury, the death. We still feel the pain, because it is part of our dreams every day of our life,” he said. “Deep inside resides something that is uniquely ours.”
He read a letter written by the 11-year-old nephew of one of those 50 men who died that described why the United States is the greatest country in the world: its freedoms and its people. Hosler said, however, those who cannot or do not show up anymore often outnumber the people who attended Saturday’s event.
“Every year, I miss faces in the crowd. Either a family member has passed away or a family member doesn’t come,” he said. “Meet us here next year, and bring a friend with you.”
As veterans, families and friends watched, two wreaths were placed at two spots. One wreath commemorated the 50 men who died, while the other honored the families of the fallen, many of whom attend the ceremony annually.
As shots were fired in salute and “Taps” was played, many eyes filled with tears and many others were turned skyward as memories of fallen husbands, brothers and friends came rushing back.
The event also was used as somewhat of an information session, as former Uniontown resident Robert Bowden spoke about the changes at the Veterans Administration. He said several of the changes that have occurred to the VA over the past six years have been detrimental to veterans, while some others have been positive.
Bowden encouraged veterans and their families to learn as much as they can and to begin discussing the issues. He even told the crowd who gathered to start writing letters in protest of changes that are doing more harm than good.
Among those who joined the AMVETS Saturday were Rolling Thunder, American Legion Riders, Mercer County Vietnam Veterans, Vietnam veterans from Allegheny County and representatives from several Fayette County veterans organizations.
“As long as we’re able, we’ll keep coming here, no matter what the weather,” Hosler said. “As long as people keep coming to share feelings, we will be always grateful.”
While many gathered at the post, the Hopwood community was helping to dedicate an AMVETS Post 103 monument in front of National City bank that honored all Hopwood residents, living and deceased, who served in the military.