On National Vietnam War Veterans Day, NJVVMF Remembers NJ Heroes

On Friday, March 29, 2019, National Vietnam War Veterans Day, the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation (NJVVMF) will be inducting eleven individuals into the organization’s In Memory program. In Memory is a very special program that honors New Jerseyans who served and died as a result of their tours of duty in Vietnam.

Since our founding, the NJVVMF has recognized the sacrifices made by New Jersey families during the Vietnam War. While many are honored on our Memorial, it is important to recognize that the lives of those who were fortunate enough to return home were impacted by their tours of duty.

For many years, the NJVVMF has honored these Veterans and their families twice a year as part of larger ceremonies. This year’s ceremony begins a new tradition for both the NJVVMF and the NJ Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMAVA) who are partnering to host a single, official New Jersey event at the NJVVMF complex. Col. Lisa J. Hou, Head of DMAVA and Deputy Commissioner of Veterans Affairs, will be attending to present a proclamation on behalf of the state and Governor Murphy.

As part of the program, inductee names are etched on an engraved stone inside the NJVVMF Memorial so family, friends and visitors will know that these Veterans are with their honored comrades. The focus of the In Memory event is solely on the inductees and their families. Family members will be invited to share remembrances and details about their beloved Veterans with guests, light candles in their honor and bring photographs to display during the ceremony.

All of those being honored passed away due to complications from their Tours of Duty, including Agent Orange exposure, Hepatitis C and the physical wounds received in Vietnam.

“The loss of these individuals are no less tragic than those that occurred in-country, but their names do not appear on the Memorial,” said Sarah Taggart, Executive Director of the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation. “This is our opportunity to pay fitting tribute to their sacrifice and give family members an opportunity to celebrate the lives of their loved ones and to grieve with people who understand and appreciate their sacrifice.”

Also of note for this year, the VVMF (The Vietnam Veteran Memorial Fund, founders of “The Wall” in Washington, DC) is working with the NJVVMF to identify all New Jersey Vietnam Veterans who have been previously honored during a VVMF In Memory ceremony, but have not yet been recognized in the NJVVMF program. VVMF will be extending invitations to families of qualifying Veterans so their names will also be honored at The Wall in Washington, DC. Likewise, the NJVVMF will be inviting families of qualifying New Jersey Vietnam Veterans who have been previously recognized by the VVMF in Washington, DC to apply for the NJVVMF In Memory program and receive their rightful honors in both programs.

The NJVVMF event is free and open to the public. Everyone is welcome to attend and give these Veterans the welcome home they deserve.

Click here for more information on how to nominate someone for the NJVVMF In Memory program, including details about how each inductee is honored and remembered.

Since 1995, the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial has provided a place to remember and honor the 1,563 New Jerseyans who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Vietnam War. Each year the Foundation welcomes thousands of visitors and guests to dozens of ceremonies, educational and outreach programs. The adjacent Vietnam Era Museum is the only museum of its kind in the country.

ABOUT THE IN MEMORY CEREMONY

The In Memory Ceremony will be held Friday, March 29th, beginning at 11:00 a.m. in the Foundation’s Museum complex. More information can be found on the NJVVMF event page.

This year, the inductees are:

• William Aschenbach (US Army), Flemington, NJ
• Craig Bronish (US Navy), Hightstown, NJ
• Dennis Cannarella (US Army), Milltown, NJ
• William Cisko III (US Army), Newark, NJ
• William Dowson (US Army), Lodi, NJ
• John Flynn, Jr. (US Army), Bernardsville, NJ
• Roger Francis (US Marine Corps), Clifton, NJ
• Robert Krzeminski (US Army), Toms River, NJ
• Richard Maychrich ( US Army), Manville, NJ
• William Phillips (US Army), Hillside, NJ
• Alan Stone (US Army), Somerset, NJ

ABOUT THE NEW JERSEY VIETNAM VETERANS’ MEMORIAL FOUNDATION

The New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation offers a meaningful and engaging experience that recognizes the sacrifice, courage and valor of Vietnam Veterans and encourages and fosters a thorough understanding of the Vietnam Era including the political, historical, social, cultural and military aspects, which affected the United States, and especially New Jersey.

The Foundation operates and manages the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial and the adjacent Vietnam Era Museum & Educational Center located at 1 Memorial Lane off Exit 116 (PNC Bank Arts Center) in Holmdel, NJ. The Memorial honors all those who served our country and state during the Vietnam War, especially the 1,563 New Jerseyans who did not return home. It is a powerful and fitting tribute to their sacrifice. The Memorial is open 24 hours, seven days a week.

The Vietnam Era Museum & Educational Center is the first and only educational center and museum of its kind in the United States. Dedicated in September 1998, the Museum is devoted solely to gaining an understanding of the conflict in Southeast Asia and the surrounding political strife in America.

For hours and directions, visit njvvmf.org.