At the old Hempstead County Courthouse Wednesday morning, in the veterans plaza a ceremony marked National Vietnam Veterans Day with prayers, a proclamation, readings of names and speeches honoring the men and women who served in the Vietnam Conflict.  This was the 50th commemoration of the day nationally and the 12th year a ceremony has been held in Hempstead County.

The John Cain Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Hempstead County Sheriff James I. Singleton and his deputies were the organizers of the event, which drew many observers, including several Vietnam veterans. The ceremony began with a welcome by DAR member Bonnie Raff 

“Vietnam Day commemorates the sacrifice of Vietnam veterans and their families in the part of the nation’s efforts to recognize the men and women who were denied a proper welcome upon returning home more than 40 years ago. We vow to never again confuse personal disapproval of a war with prejudice against those who honorably wore the uniform of our armed services,” Raff said. 

She also cited some numbers that provide perspective on the impact of the conflict. “There were 85 million killed during the war. This day recognizes the military service of men and women who answered the call to their country. There were 9,087,000 military personnel that served in active duty during the Vietnam era, from August 5, 1964 to May 7, 1975, 2,709,800, or 918 men and women served in Vietnam.” 

Following her speech was a posting of the colors by sheriff’s deputies and a pledge of allegiance led by Raff.  Before giving the opening prayer, Hope City Director Reginald Easter asked all to observe a moment of silence for those who perished at Frances Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore.  Richard Allen, teacher of English at Garrett Memorial Christian School sang the National Anthem. 

A proclamation of National Vietnam Veterans Day was read by Mayor Don Still.  He asked the audience to contemplate the particular numbers included in the document, which was presented to him by Raff. 

“Whereas more than three million men and women from across the United States including those residing in the state of Arkansas answered the call to serve over the course of the 13 years of the Vietnam War. Whereas we remember the more than 58,000 names memorialized in the black granite wall in our nation's capital for having borne the heaviest cost of war, including 592 in the state of Arkansas and 11 from the City of Hope. And whereas by the end of the war 2,646 United States servicemen were reported as missing. And as of this day 1,581 remain unaccounted for, for the result of their service to our nation … 

“Now therefore, I, Don Still, Mayor of Hope in the county of Hempstead, in the state of Arkansas do hereby proclaim on this 13th year of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War, that we celebrate and we recognize these veterans.” 

Next, Brenda Barham of the DAR read the objectives of the ceremony, to celebrate the contributions of Vietnam Veterans, to thank and honor their families, to highlight the service of the U.S. armed forces, to recognize the contributions of governmental and nongovernmental personnel, to acknowledge technological advances and to thank the countries allied to the U.S. during the Vietnam conflict. 

An explanation of the Commemorative Flag came next, with Betty Harris of the DAR using a baton to point to the features of the flag being described by the DAR’s Terrie James. 

The 12 names of soldiers from Hempstead County who lost their lives in the Vietnam conflict were then read by Raff: Harold Cumbie, Cecil Fincher Jr., Jimmy Gray, James Heiton, Robert Muldrow, Eddie Roberts, Richard Sterling, Leonard Graves, Jessie Morrison, J.C. Rothwell and Joe Morrison. Following the reading came a laying of a wreath below the commemorative flag. 

James and Raff presented Vietnam pins with an eagle featured prominently to the Vietnam Veterans present, then a closing prayer was made by Easter. The flags were retired and taps was played by a sheriff’s deputy. 

After the ceremony, the veterans in attendance gathered in front of the commemorative flag for a photo. 

Above: The six Vietnam Veterans who attended Wednesday's ceremony