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Fairfax-area veterans and community members gathered March 28 at American Legion Post 177 in Fairfax City to honor those who served during the Vietnam War, including 147 Fairfax County residents who died in the conflict.
The ceremony preceded National Vietnam War Veterans Day on March 29. It brought together the American Legion, VFW Post 8469, the Fairfax County Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution and the Fairfax Resolves Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution.
Suzy Mulligan, regent of the DAR chapter, said the country’s obligation to recognize Vietnam veterans and their families continues. She noted that the names of the 147 county residents who died in Vietnam are inscribed on a plaque at the Veterans Monument on the Historic Fairfax Courthouse lawn.
Former Fairfax City Mayor David Meyer, a Fairfax Resolves member, delivered an invocation dedicated to his wife’s cousin, who died in Vietnam in 1969. He remembered those who gave their lives in pursuit of liberty, justice and a better world while also calling attention to veterans living with post-traumatic stress, substance dependencies, physical effects of aging and strained family relationships.
Meyer urged the community to support veterans and their loved ones as they seek healing.
Fairfax Resolves President Tom Heinz praised the courage and endurance of those who served in Vietnam’s jungles and rice paddies. He also recalled the difficult reception many veterans encountered when they returned to a country divided over the war.
Despite prejudice and misunderstanding, Heinz said, many carried on with dignity and continued serving their communities. He called on the country to remember both those who returned and those who died, while ensuring veterans and their families receive proper care and respect.
Why March 29 matters
VFW Post 8469 Commander Mac McCarl explained that Congress authorized the U.S. Vietnam War Commemoration, which was established under the secretary of defense and launched by the president in 2012. Its mission was to thank Vietnam veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice.
Although the official commemorative period has ended, McCarl said local organizations continue that work. The Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017 permanently designated March 29 as National Vietnam War Veterans Day.
American Legion Post 177 Commander Eric Parkhurst said the date marks several events from March 29, 1973: the disestablishment of the U.S. Military Assistance Command, Vietnam; the departure of the last U.S. combat troops from the country; and Hanoi’s release of its final acknowledged American prisoners of war.
The observance honors roughly 9 million people who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces between Nov. 1, 1955, and May 15, 1975. Parkhurst stressed that the recognition extends to everyone who served during that period, whether stationed in Vietnam, elsewhere in the region or in another location.
Service members could not choose where they were assigned, he said, yet many returned to a country that failed to distinguish between opposition to the war and treatment of those who fought it.
Names read for the fallen and missing
Honorary DAR Regent Janice Dixon introduced the reading of the 147 Fairfax County residents’ names, invoking the remembrance tradition that a person is never forgotten when their name continues to be spoken.
Dixon also recognized the sacrifices made by their families. She said 1,566 Americans who served in the Vietnam War remain unaccounted for, leaving relatives still waiting for answers.
Parkhurst then led a POW/MIA ceremony centered on a table set for one, representing service members absent from the nation’s ranks.
Each object carried a symbolic meaning. The small table represented the vulnerability of a lone prisoner, while its white cloth reflected the purity of answering the country’s call. A red rose signified blood shed in sacrifice and the families who continue waiting. A red ribbon represented the determination to secure a full accounting of the missing.
A lemon slice recalled their bitter fate, and salt represented families’ tears. An inverted glass and empty chair marked their absence. A candle embodied hope for their return, while an American flag acknowledged that some may never come home.
Jim Cordes of Fairfax Resolves read the names of 45 Virginians still missing in action. As each name was spoken, participants placed yellow carnations on a memorial wreath. Attendees added flowers for others who served during the Vietnam War era.
The 147 names of Fairfax County residents killed in the war were then read and honored in the same manner. Hank Roeder of the American Legion concluded the tribute by playing “Taps.”
Vietnam veterans attending the ceremony later received commemorative lapel pins. Each pin bears an eagle’s head symbolizing courage, honor and devoted service; stripes representing the American flag; and six stars recognizing allied countries that fought together. A blue border signifies vigilance, perseverance and justice. The reverse reads, “A Grateful Nation Thanks and Honors You.”
DAR chaplain-elect Annetta Smith closed the ceremony with a benediction recognizing veterans’ devotion to duty, endurance under hardship and commitment to one another.
She prayed for healing for those who continue to carry physical, emotional and spiritual wounds, as well as comfort for families that endured separation, loss and the burdens of war. Smith urged those gathered to preserve the legacy of the fallen and remain committed to peace, justice, freedom and the dignity of everyone who serves.