If you forget my death, I died in vain
South Boston Vietnam Veterans will celebrate the 41st Anniversary of the South Boston Vietnam Memorial – located in Medal of Honor Park – on Sunday, Sept. 18, 2022. USS Constitution Commander Billie J. Farrell, U.S. Navy, will be the keynote speaker.
A Memorial Mass will be held in St. Brigid Church, 841 East Broadway, South Boston, at 10:30 a.m., followed by an 11:30 a.m. rededication ceremony at the memorial.
Mayor Michelle Wu, Governor Charlie Baker, and Congressman Stephen Lynch are expected to attend, as well as Medal of Honor Recipient Thomas G. Kelley (Vietnam). Also attending the rededication ceremony will be the families of the 25 men from South Boston who were killed in action during the Vietnam War, along with many South Boston Vietnam Veterans.
The South Boston Vietnam Memorial was among America’s first formal memorials for Vietnam Veterans – predating the dedication of the national Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. by 13 months. It honors 25 men from South Boston who gave their lives during the war. South Boston suffered one of the highest losses of men killed in action in the country for a community of its size.
The South Boston Vietnam Memorial was dedicated on Sept. 13, 1981, and a rededication
ceremony is held every September.
The 25 men honored on the South Boston Vietnam Memorial are: Joseph J. Agri, LCpl USMC; Charles A. Bazzinotti, 1stLt USA; Richard J. Borovick, SP4 USA; John C. Calhoun, LCpl USMC; John H. Cole, PFC USMC; Paul M. Daley, SP6 USA; Ronald L. Delverde, PFC USMC; Joseph F. Desmond, PFC USMC; Joseph W. Dunn, PFC USMC; Devon M. Enman, Sgt USA; Gene D. Grover, SSgt USMC; Frank C. Hubicsak, PFC USA; Douglas J. Itri, SP5 USA; John P. Jacobs, Cpl USMC; John G. Joyce, Cpl USA; Edward W. Milan, Sgt USAF; James O’Toole, PFC USA; Burton Peterson, LCpl USMC; Paul H. Sheehan, 1st Sgt USMC; James J. Stewart, PFC USMC; Edward Stone, PFC USMC; Edward M. Sullivan, PFC USMC; Joseph Thomas, E. PFC USMC; Donald J. Turner, LCpl USMC; James K. Wheeler, SP6 USA.
Image: Painting of Vietnam Memorial by South Boston Artist Dan McCole
Maureen Dahill is the editor of Caught in Southie and a lifelong resident of South Boston sometimes mistaken for a yuppie. Co-host of Caught Up, storyteller, lover of red wine and binge watching TV series. Mrs. Peter G. Follow her @MaureenCaught.
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