20th Anniversary of the Vietnam Vigil and the Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial

Twenty years ago I was one of the early members of a small group of Vietnam Veterans that had a fire inside to do something in Illinois for the remembrance of Vietnam Veterans. At that time I was Assistant Director of the Illinois Department of Veterans and had coordinated the state of Illinois participation in the National Vietnam Memorial in Washington D.C. It inspired two Illinois Vietnam War veterans, Richard Stahl and Mike Ferguson to have an Illinois memorial honoring the state’s Vietnam War causalities. It was when I met Mike that the fire was ignited in me. The Illinois Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund Committee was created to raise the $1.25 million needed to construct the Memorial. No one knew how to raise that much money, especially with a goal to raise it from private rather government sources.

My wife and I left on a trip to see America, for almost two years we traveled the country. But before I left I got Governor Thompson involved in the effort to build the Memorial. His presence and belief in the need for the Memorial was a driving force to acquire the funds. The Memorial was dedicated on May 7, 1988 as a permanent state memorial under the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.

Inscribed on the five walls representing the five branches of services are the names of those who died or are still missing. An eternal flame burns atop the Memorial. The inscription on the outer walls reads: To Those Who Died Honor and Eternal Rest, To those Still in Bondage Remembrance and Hope, and To Those Who Returned Gratitude and Peace.

The Veterans Memorial Vigil, Inc. holds an Annual 24-hour Vigil and Remembrance ceremony that honors those who died, who are still unaccounted for, and those who honorably served their country.

This 20 year remembrance event welcomes Vietnam Veterans home and thanks them for their service to the country. The official ceremony starts at 11:00 a.m. on May 3rd with speakers, laying of Wreaths, passing of the torch, and ending with a P.O.W ceremony. Sunday May 4th the ceremony continues with the final watch of the 24 hour Vigil and closing at 1:00 p.m. with a rifle salute, taps and flag-raising.

If you are in Illinois on these days join the many that will be showing their gratitude for those who served their country in Vietnam, welcoming them home and giving thanks for their service.