Vietnam veteran’s memorial unveiled in Iron Mountain
Vietnam veteran’s memorial unveiled in Iron Mountain
By PETE FRECCHIO, Iron Mountain Daily News
IRON MOUNTAIN — Some were there to remember. Some were there to learn. Some were there to say thank you. Some were there to say welcome home.
More than 1,000 veterans, soldiers, dignitaries and grateful citizens were at Pine Mountain on Saturday afternoon for the dedication of the Upper Peninsula Vietnam Veterans War Memorial.
Planning for the memorial began 13 months ago by Squadron 50 of the Sons of the American Legion of Iron Mountain. The memorial will eventually honor all U.P. veterans who served their country from World War I to the present day.
Military personnel in attendance ranged from World War II veterans to members of the 46th National Guard Military Police Co., some of whom will soon to be deployed to Iraq.
Bob Lambert of Marquette, a member of Chapter 380 of the Vietnam Veterans of America, served in the Coast Guard from 1965 to 1969.
“It gives me a chill to see a memorial like this,” said Lambert. “But it also makes me feel good. This memorial is way overpowering for me. It’s been a long time coming.”
Keynote speaker was Maj. Gen. Patrick Brady, a Medal of Honor recipient.
He said, “Don’t keep these stories to yourself. When I am invited to talk to students, I share my experiences of being in Vietnam with them. It is important that they know the truth. I want them to know the conditions we fought under and why America didn’t win the war. Your children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will want to know what you experienced in service to your country.”
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