Veterans remember fallen at Vietnam Memorial ceremony

Lt. Michael Heaney talked to his men during the Vietnam Memorial Moving Wall Ceremony on Saturday afternoon at Brown Football Field in Springfield.
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Veterans remember fallen at Vietnam Memorial ceremony By ARCHIE MOUNTAIN Staff Writer The Wall Motorcycle Processional with more than 100 cyclists passes in front of the bleachers at Brown Football Field in Springfield at the start of the Vietnam Memorial Moving Wall Ceremony on Saturday afternoon. At the end of the program the group performed a Motorcycle Salute before making its recessional. ARCHIE MOUNTAIN PHOTO The Wall Motorcycle Processional with more than 100 cyclists passes in front of the bleachers at Brown Football Field in Springfield at the start of the Vietnam Memorial Moving Wall Ceremony on Saturday afternoon. At the end of the program the group performed a Motorcycle Salute before making its recessional. ARCHIE MOUNTAIN PHOTO Lt. Michael Heaney talked to his men during the Vietnam Memorial Moving Wall Ceremony on Saturday afternoon at Brown Football Field in Springfield. Heaney, a U.S. Army veteran, was the guest speaker at the ceremony and his speech zeroed in on “My Annual Letter to My 10 Dead Men.” Now 69, Heaney vividly recalled a time more than 46 years ago in Vietnam. “It was hot, dark and rainy that day,” he told the gathering of more than 700. “I will never forget what you did that day and now all of you are on that black wall and I touched your names this morning,” he said of the Moving Wall. “All you guys were 19 or about at the time except your sergeant who was about 25,” he said. “I don’t think any of you ever got to Washington as young men so this is a day to remember. I don’t have to go to Washington to touch you or feel your name,” he said, his voice choking. “Hell was all around us and we humans have managed to create another hell with 6,527 casualties since the invasion of Iraq and Afghanistan,” he said. “Our boys are getting killed and maimed. The ones coming back walking are the lucky ones. “I’m sure those 6,500 have brought you up to date on what’s going on here,” he continued. At the end of his talk, Heaney said: “Remember the pledge you guys made to one another. Your honor is established for all time. “I love you. Bye for now. Your old lieutenant.” Shirley Sanville, the widow of Ernest Sanville, a U.S. Navy member, killed in action in Vietnam, also spoke of the day her husband went off to Vietnam and never returned to see his second child, born while he was at war. “It means a lot to me to see a big group coming to an event like this,” Sanville said. “We were married at 20 in 1964. We didn’t talk about war, just hoping it would end. All too soon he got his draft notice and enlisted in the Navy, studying to be a medic,” she stated. “I had convinced myself he would survive.” Six weeks after the arrival of that child, her husband was fatally wounded in Vietnam. “I made peace with our creator and I encourage you to get acquainted with your creator,” she told the gathering. “We need to protect and preserve our country and we need to appreciate the sacrifice our fallen heroes have made to save America,” she continued. Sanville recited a list of about 10 groups of individuals that can use help and support these days. “Be proud of them,” she emphasized. “Let’s go out and do something good for America.” Felicia Graham and Nicole Patterson spoke briefly on “What the Sacrifices of Vietnam Mean to Me.” “Every one of the names on this wall represent sacrifices,” Graham said. “Your sacrifices will never be forgotten.” Patterson asked everyone in the audience to imagine for a moment how they would feel as parents if they never got to say goodbye to a family member killed in action while serving in the Armed Forces. “They died protecting us. This freedom lets you say what you believe,” Patterson stated. The welcoming and opening remarks were made by Ronald Walker, USMC, event coordinator. “Remember those who have made the sacrifice. Honoring Vietnam War dead and all Vietnam veterans is long overdue,” he said. Walker also said the 58,272 individuals whose names appear on the wall paid the ultimate price. Andrew Cook, USMC, served as master of ceremonies and introduced the guests. At the start of the ceremony “The Wall” Motorcycle Processional involving more than 100 cyclists slowly passed in front of the football bleachers filled with spectators. Erika Grace Anderson sang the “National Anthem” and “The Wall Song.” Selections were played by the Springfield Community Band that also played “God Bess America” at the end of the ceremony. Andy Chamberlin and Jim McGonigal joined to perform “Amazing Grace.” Ernest Lamphere, U.S. Army, presented the opening prayer and Minister Jay Huntley, USMC, gave the closing prayer. Sponsors of the event were the Vietnam Veterans Association Chapter 723 of Chester and the Springfield Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 771. The Vietnam Veterans Moving Wall, a half-size replica of the Washington, D.C., Vietnam Veterans Memorial, offers the public an opportunity to view the memorial on a regional and local basis. “Anyone who has had the opportunity to visit the permanent exhibit in Washington can attest to the emotional impact this exhibit has for everyone,” Walker stated in a press release. According to Walker, this undertaking required the assistance of local organizations and volunteers to assist with the construction of the exhibit, manning it 24/7, landscaping the site and assisting with the many aspects associated with the project.