First National Vietnam Veterans Day Observed by Philadelphia
Posted: Monday, March 26, 2018
The City of Philadelphia will officially observe the first National Vietnam Veterans Day with a presentation of a resolution from City Council Thursday, March 29 at 2 PM to the Philadelphia Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund Board of Directors.
The presentation will be made during a ceremony by Councilman David Oh at the Memorial at Spruce Street and Columbus Boulevard. Other dignitaries expected to attend include Councilman Mark Squilla and former Pennsylvania Supreme Court Chief Justice Ron Castile, as well as leaders of veterans’ organizations. This will be the first ceremony since the President signed a law last March recognizing the day in honor of Vietnam Veterans. One of the co-sponsors of the bill was PA Sen. Pat Toomey.
To also mark the occasion will be the launch of a new book, "Edison 64," the story of the 64 attendees of Edison high school who were lost in the Vietnam war, the largest number of any high school in the nation. The book was written by local author Richard Sand, who interviewed over a two-year period many surviving veterans, former teachers and family members of those who died.
Sand is a noted historian and award-winning author of a dozen books. A college professor and practicing attorney, he was a member of The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission and was honored by The State Senate for his contribution to the arts. He also has been inducted into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame.
“Edison 64 tells the story of a unique and haunting part of American history in which more soldiers were killed from one high school than any other,” Sand said. “It is about the men who came from North Philadelphia to sacrifice for their country in a way no others did.”
The books will be presented to Councilman Oh and Squilla, Justice Castille, one of the founders of the memorial and wounded Vietnam veteran, PVVMF President Terry Williamson and Darryrl Johnson, USAF veteran, Edison Alumni and retired Edison HS educator. Sand plans to donate a portion of the proceeds of the book to the Memorial Fund.
Vietnam Veterans Day has been recognized one way or another since 1973 on either March 29th or March 30th of each year, through a patchwork of state resolutions. However, in 2017, the official date was set as March 29th.
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2017 Veterans Day Photos
Posted: Monday, January 01, 2018
Photos from Veterans Day 2017 Ceremony at the Philadelphia Vietnam Veterans Memorial Read more
Castille to Speak at Veterans Day Ceremony
Posted: Monday, November 13, 2017
Ronald D. Castille, who served as Chief Justice of the PA Supreme Court from 2008-14, will be the keynote speaker for the annual Veterans Day program
on Saturday, Nov. 11, at 12:30 p.m. He was one of the founders of the Philadelphia Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund and served as its first treasurer.
The chief justice joined the Philadelphia District Attorney’s office in 1971, following his graduation from the University of Virginia Law School,
eventually rising to deputy district attorney in 1983. Castille, who was severely wounded as a Marine infantry officer in Vietnam, is one of the
most widely recognized Vietnam veterans in Pennsylvania. Castille, who is a graduate of Auburn University, received the Bronze Star for valor as
a platoon commander.
PVVMF Co-Hosts with WHYY on VN War Documentary
Posted: Tuesday, August 29, 2017
The PVVM Fund is joining the Veterans National Education Program to host with WHYY and "Radio Times'" Marty Moss-Coan, a veterans panel discussion in conjunction
with the showing of Ken Burns' "The Vietnam War." The discussion will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 12, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m at The Museum of the
American Revolution, 101 S. Third St. Veterans and Their Families Can Register for the Free Event and Free Museum Tickets at:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-vietnam-war-discussion-hosted-by-marty-moss-coane-tickets-36900520450?aff=WHYYwebsite
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Veterans Day 2016
Posted: Friday, December 30, 2016
For Veterans Day, volunteers placed 648 flags representing those from Philadelphia who were lost in the Vietnam War and are honored on the Wall of Names at the Memorial. Carol Eggert, Comcast vice president for Veterans and Military Affairs and a retired Army brigadier general, delivered the keynote address to a crowd of upwards of 1,000 people. Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney also made brief remarks. Read more
Hundreds Turn Out to Honor Two Additions to Wall of Names
Posted: Friday, June 03, 2016
Under cloudy, but rain-free skies hundreds of veterans, families and friends observed the addition of Master Sergeants Francis Corcoran and George Wilson to the Philadelphia Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Memorial Day 2016. Read more
Two Philadelphia Soldiers Added to Vietnam Memorial Wall
Posted: Wednesday, May 25, 2016
The names of two career noncommissioned officers, who became ill in Vietnam and later died in military hospitals, will be unveiled in a special ceremony at the Philadelphia Vietnam Veterans Memorial (PVVM) on Monday, May 30 at 12:30 p.m. Read more