Washington National Cathedral service honors Vietnam War veterans and families

Since the establishment of the Vietnam War 50 Year Commemoration in 2012, events have been held across the nation to acknowledge and honor the sacrifice and service of the millions of Americans who participated in the war. It’s a recognition many did not receive during the conflict or after.

One of the commemoration’s major events was the Welcome Home celebration held on the National Mall in May 2023, with even more activities planned through Veterans Day in 2025, when the nation will mark 50 years since the end of the Vietnam War.

The ‘Celebration of Character and Courage’ held at The Washington National Cathedral this past January 13th, should be counted as another highlight of the commemorative efforts. Hundreds of Vietnam War veterans and their families, Gold Star family members, active-duty military and community supporters filled the cathedral, with thousands more watching this special service via live stream.

Organized by the Air and Space Forces Association (AFA), with the help of some 40 veteran support organizations, the event honored Vietnam War veterans, POWs/MIAs and those lost during the war. The service featured remarks from Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III, Vietnam War veteran and 33rd Chief of Staff of the Army, Gen. (R) Dennis Reimer, and Colleen Shine, founding member and advisor of Sons and Daughters in Touch, representing the family members of that era.

In addition, the Invocation was given by retired USAF Col. (R) Rev. Dr. Robert Certain, a Vietnam POW from 1972-73, with the Benediction offered by Vietnam veteran and former Air Force Chief of Chaplains, retired Maj. Gen., Rev. Charles Baldwin. Spanning generations of service, special hymns were performed by the West Point Alumni Glee Club — some of whom are Vietnam War veterans — joined by USMA cadets of the current West Point Glee Club and youth from the Maryland Civil Air Patrol choir.

The “Character and Courage” theme was emphasized repeatedly by the speakers. In his pre-recorded message, Austin noted that throughout his career, he’d been led and taught by amazing Vietnam War veterans.

“We recognize that you came home to ridicule and not the hugs and ‘Welcome Homes’ you deserved...We are still inspired by you and admire your selfless service,” he said.*

Reimer began his remarks by noting that while Vietnam was a controversial war, what is not controversial was the sacrifice, service and courage of those who fought.

“During the twelve years of the war almost 10,000,000 Americans served our country in Vietnam or areas close by,” he said. “There are 1,577 people yet to return; we have to get them back. There are 58,220 whose names are etched on The Wall, and we must never forget their sacrifice.”

Having survived two tours in Vietnam (1964-65 and 1969-70), he noted that one of the most important things he took away from that experience was the physical and moral courage shown by those who served.

“I thank you. You made a difference. Welcome home, well done,” Reimer offered as a salute to his fellow comrades in arms.*

Shine said, “It is fitting that we are gathered here in the majesty of The Washington National Cathedral, because faith was an important tenet for those who served. Chaplains held services on the front lines while on the home front families prayed for the safe return of their loved ones. And 50 years ago this month, as our prisoners of war returned, we learned how faith sustained them while detained.”

“It’s been said that there have been a million Vietnam Wars — each family had their own,” Shine added. “But from that place of trauma, desolation, and loss, grew great resilience, community, and leadership…To each Vietnam veteran here and to those listening, we offer our tremendous gratitude and a heartfelt ‘Welcome Home’…You have continued to serve, lead, and shape our military and the nation. We are deeply grateful.”*

Following the cathedral service, attendees were invited to a Legacy Reception and Assembly held at the Washington Hilton. Sponsored by the Gary Sinise Foundation, guests were treated to a dinner, had the chance to mingle with fellow veterans, and had opportunities to meet with representatives of many military support organizations regarding services and benefits available to them. Wreaths Across America Radio also set up a mobile studio to record veteran stories for future broadcasts.

While numerous individuals helped bring this commemorative event to fruition, they all agreed its success was due to the work and vision of USAF Col. (R) Len Vernamonti, chairman of AFA’s Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Committee. Vernamonti, a Vietnam War veteran, said that in 2022, it dawned on him that the 50th anniversary of the end of the war was coming up.

“It was at an all members meeting that year that I remarked to the AFA Board that we were coming up on the 50th anniversary of the end of combat in Vietnam and the return of our POWs, and it would be appropriate if we did something to recognize that anniversary. And in typical volunteer run organization fashion, they asked if I would handle it and I became chairman,” Vernamonti shared.

In addition to the cathedral service, his committee organized ceremonies at Barksdale AFB, the USAF strategic bomber headquarters, in December 2022 recognizing 50 years since Operation Linebacker 2, the bombing mission that forced the North Vietnamese leaders to agree to the peace treaty and return all POWs, and at the Linden, Texas gravesite of AF Sgt. John Rucker, on Mar. 3, 2023. He was the last enlisted man killed in Vietnam, the day before the ceasefire went into effect and was buried on March 3, 1973. The AFA committee also participated in last year’s Welcome Home event.

“One of my main purposes through these events was to let more of our veterans know that the negative attitudes from (the 1970’s) have changed,” Vernamonti explained. “I must have passed out hundreds of the Vietnam Veteran Commemoration pins, and many times I and the veteran were brought to tears because it meant so much to them. To finally have that recognition that what they did was honorable, and worth doing for our country. It is why we called The Cathedral event ‘A Celebration of Character and Courage.’”

For the veterans in attendance, Vernamonti hoped that the service could bring them some measure of closure and for the others who participated, “I hope now they understand the heritage that the Vietnam veteran generation has left.”

According to Cmdr. Brian Wierzbicki, Chief, Public Engagement for The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration, more commemoration activities are planned through the next two years, continuing to recognize the efforts and sacrifices of Vietnam War veterans. Those interested can go to www.vietnamwar50th.com to find the schedule of upcoming events around the nation and to learn how all Americans can get involved.

*Speakers’ comments edited for space.

You can view the entire livestream of the ceremony below.