The Chief Petty Officer Association of Naval Support Activity (NSA) held a Vietnam War commemoration ceremony at Overton Park Veterans Plaza in Memphis, Tenn., June 30.

"This is our small way of thanking and honoring veterans of the Vietnam War, including those who were prisoners of war, missing in action, and killed in action," said NSA Mid-South Command Master Chief Marilyn Kennard.

"While we honor and remember those who never came home, we are forever grateful for the contributions of those who did," she added. "So many who returned from the Vietnam War continued to serve their nation through supporting each other and future generations of American veterans. Their lasting impact on veteran care and support is something all of us in uniform are grateful for today."

For Vietnam veteran and current Shelby County, Tenn. Veterans Service Officer, retired Army 1st Lt. Joseph D. Kyles, appreciation for Vietnam veterans is long overdue.

"These veterans did not come back to a grateful nation like we see today and any chance to get to memorialize their sacrifice and many times, honor the memory of those who did not come home, is especially important," he said.

For Bartlett, Tenn. resident and retired Army Lt. Col. Don Keith, who served in Vietnam from 1967-1968 and 1970-1971, the day was about celebrating the work of all branches of the military together.

He recounted one event for a group of Sailors surrounding him after the ceremony, eager to listen to what he had to say.

One day, while in a firefight in Vietnam, he got in radio contact with a vessel who identified themselves as a rocket barge.

"What the hell is a rocket barge?" he said. The barge radioed back to him to give them the coordinates of the hill he was taking fire from and he would find out. "As soon as I sent the coordinates back, the whole South China Sea lit up and when it all cleared that hill was not there anymore."

For the veterans in attendance, simply the presence of the chief petty officers from the base was an honor.

"As a veteran, I am honored to see active duty military personnel here to show respect and appreciation for those who came before them and I commend the Navy for that," said Kyles.

Keith echoed the sentiments.

"This day is about recognition for those that lost their lives and thanks for those that did come home," he said. "It is very meaningful for the chiefs to make their appreciation known with this ceremony."

By presidential proclamation, the Vietnam War 50th anniversary commemoration took place from Memorial Day 2012 through Veterans Day 2015 marking the extended period of conflict in Vietnam.

About 9 million Americans served on active duty in the military during this time period and it is estimated that 7 million are living today. Commemoration events like this will be held through thousands of local hometown events across the country.


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