THE PRINT EDITION
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2016
“The reason most people do not recognize an opportunity when they meet it is because it usually goes around wearing overalls and looking like hard work.” (Anonymous)
VOLUME XVIII - ISSUE 38
by Rick Winterson
Vietnam Memorial at 35
In the late ‘70s, support was increasing in South Boston to erect a formal memorial of some kind, dedicated to those 25 heroic men from South Boston who lost their lives in Vietnam. It wasn’t only from the friends and relatives of those brave military men – it was a community-wide sentiment. Concerned residents went to work – washing cars, seeking small donations door-to-door, holding Southie “times”, and so on. Major donors or government grants were nowhere to be found. And it worked. Something north of $28,000 was raised; South Boston’s Vietnam Memorial became much more than just a dream. In the fall of 1981, the Memorial was first dedicated. Thirty-five years later, on September 18, in the year of 2016, over 200 showed up to observe the Memorial’s 35th year as a South Boston landmark. And not so
of the Boston Fire Department’s pipes and drums. The National Anthem, “The Star Spangled Banner”, brought all to their feet.
Medal of Honor recipient and U.S. Navy Captain Tom Kelly is greeted by Jerry Turner, Ed Flynn and former U.S. Ambassador Ray Flynn at Viet Nam Memorial in South Boston. incidentally, it is also America’s first formal, substantial remembrance of the Vietnam Conflict (the so-called “Wall” in Washington, D.C. was dedicated the next year, in November, 1982) After a Memorial Mass in St. Brigid Church, the crowd assem-
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bled in Medal of Honor Park in front of the Vietnam Memorial. A U.S. Army troop transport helicopter adorned the field around the Memorial. A dressuniformed Army brass quintet played stirring military airs, as the colors were borne along the Park’s walkway, escorted by the skirling
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As usual, Tom Lyons, himself a decorated Marine veteran, capably emceed the ceremonies. “Never apologize for service in Vietnam.” He called upon elected officials for remarks – Congressman Steve Lynch, Gov. Charlie Baker, Rep. Nick Collins, Councilor (2nd District) Bill Linehan, Councilor (at-Large) Michael Flaherty. Lyons introduced the keynote speaker, Jim Webb, who has not only held many important positions in public service, but also was a speaker at the first Memorial dedication ceremony, 35 years ago. Webb closed his remarks by stating how proud he was to be with all of us once again last Sunday. Three Medal of Honor recipients graced last Sunday’s occasion - Tom Kelley, Barney Barnham, continued on page 2 Home Improvements Debt Consolidation School Bills Vacations, Weddings & More! Draw what you need when you need it! Apply online at massbaycu.org or at any branch.
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