Worlds: A Veteran's Experience
story updated May 26. 2006 11:30AM Chaplains - the clergy who accompanied servicemen - never received a monument collectively memorializing their services in the Vietnam War. That was, until Thursday. The Monroe County Chapter 142, Vietnam Veterans of America, unveiled its "Sky Pilots" memorial, a commemorative piece honoring the chaplains who served and prayed alongside the soldiers in Vietnam. The memorial, located in Capt. Norman Heck Park, resembles an opened Bible resting atop a stack of C-rations. Chapter Director Glenn Podhola said the memorial was emblematic of the chaplains' service and is believed to be the first in the nation set as a collective honor to the clergymen. "I always felt the chaplains in Vietnam did not receive the recognition they deserved," he said before a crowd of about 20 at the dedication ceremony. The monument was one of two the group unveiled at the event. The other was a monument called "In Memory" that commemorated the lives lost from the war. The additions come as the culmination of the group's five-year plan to improve the park. The initiative has ushered in an interpretive museum and a "Path of Honor" that has transformed the park into a memorial center. Mr. Podhola said the monuments serve as both a commemoration and an educational tool to remind of the sacrifices made in the once unpopular war. "We dedicate memorials so hopefully they stand as constant reminders to honor those that served their country," he said. The local VVA director explained that the Chaplain's memorial meant to commemorate the men who helped many to find faith and hope during the most trying times in the war. The Rev. Jackson Day, a United Methodist pastor from Baltimore who served in Vietnam as a chaplain, said the challenges were often the same as for the troops. "All of us carry some kind of wound from that war," he said during the dedication of the memorial. "Chaplains have war stories of their own. Like those that served, chaplains died and experienced death, too." Throughout the war, 82 chaplains were awarded Purple Hearts and 26 were given Silver Stars, he said. In his own experience, the Rev. Day said he had struggled with the traumatic events of the war and the rejection soldiers faced upon returning home. In Vietnam, though, he said the chaplain's role was unique. The clergy's presence aimed to protect the soldiers' constitutional right of freedom of religion, even through the most severe situations of war. The memorial would provide a template for others to honor the services of chaplains as well, he said. "I believe it is unique," he said. "There are a few memorials to other chaplains, but nothing like this. I hope it will be copied because that's a great sign of respect." The "In Memory" monument is a similar commemoration to the fallen soldiers of the war, both in Vietnam and at home after the war. Modeled after a similar monument in Washington D.C., it is a rock with a plaque on it honoring the troops and "the wounds that never heal or the hidden casualties of war." "It honors the sacrifice," Mr. Podhola said. "Their lives are no less honorable than those that died in country. This is for them." Among the local officials who attended the dedication were several county leaders, Sheriff Tilman Crutchfield and former state Rep. Randy Richardville. Joshua Myers, a representative for U.S. Rep. John D. Dingell, D-Dearborn,, presented the veterans a resolution commemorating the dedication. He thanked the vets for their work on the memorials in Heck Park. "We know how important this park is," he said. "It's a great asset to the county and a real entranceway for many to the county and to the city." The dedication was also a collecting point for more than 40 motorcyclists in the Rolling Thunder club. The veteran's advocacy group met at Heck Park en route to Washington, D.C., for a protest rally planned Sunday. Member Mike (Doc) Willey said the group was rallying for prisoners of war of soldiers that were missing in action. |
