Vietnam Veterans Remembered by Malta Students

While the day went by with little acknowledgment, Monday, March 29th was quietly remembered by several youth of Malta. Monday came and went. It was Vietnam Veterans Day, a day of recognition since it was introduced in Congress on May 28, 2012. In 2017 the Vietnam Recognition Act established it as an annual day until 2025.

The Vietnam Conflict took its toll on the military and was one of the few wars that did not have the support of the American people. As a result, Vietnam veterans found themselves coming home quietly, with no "welcome home" celebration or recognition for service.

The American Legion Auxiliary "Juniors" took on a project this year to welcome the Vietnam servicemen home, although late, and met last week to prepare mailings that were sent to the Veterans. Sydney Gibbs, Lauren Tuss, Samme Gibbs, and Denvyr Tuss were joined by Sons of the Legion member, Connor Tuss, and they prepared cards. The session was spent drawing and cutting praying hands that opened to display a poem of welcome. Each card also had a handwritten note from the Juniors expressing their thanks for the service and contribution that the Vietnam Veterans had made.

Vietnam Veteran day commemorates and honors the 9 million military serving at that time and the 6.4 million living today, as well as the 2.7 who served in Vietnam. The names of 58,152 who gave their lives for our country are forever embellished on black granite at the capitol in Washington, DC. Names of those from Phillips County include Kenneth Knudson of Saco, Larry Schwarz of Malta, and Richard Appelhans, Louis Healy, Paul Weigand, and Truman Walsh of Dodson. Mae Walsh, the mother of Truman, is the last living "Gold Star Mother", one that has lost a child in the service. The death toll for Phillips County during the Vietnam conflict was 1.23% higher than any other conflict. Montana ranks second in the nation for the number of living Vietnam Veterans in the war that last 19 years and 180 days.

The Vietnam War saw its first casualty on the first day with the death of Dan Bullock of North Carolina. Eight women died during the war, all single, all in their 20's except one. To date, they are 1,253 MIA (Missing in Action) and as of 2020 there are 1,587 still listed as POWs (Prisoner of War). Of those that faced turmoil across the land, one in ten was killed.

Those entering the military service were quite young, untrained for the most part, and not prepared for what they would be facing. They were trained quickly and shipped immediately. They also died quickly – many within weeks or months of arriving on Vietnam soil. Each name on The Wall is more than a name, they are family that we shall never see again.

While the home front was quiet on Monday, the Veterans were remembered in a small manner. To all those who have served, a grateful "thank you" for your dedication and serving to protect us. We are forever indebted to you.