Press release from Michel Robertson:
Family members searching a black granite wall for remembrances of their loved ones. A grieving mother touching the engraved name of her son, lost to her decades ago in a war on the other side of the world. These moments were observed not at the Vietnam Memorial in Washington DC, but at another memorial wall, this one in Asheville, North Carolina.
On Friday September 28, more than 200 respectful citizens gathered at the Charles George VA Medical Center for the dedication of the hospital’s new Vietnam War Memorial, a monument honoring all Vietnam veterans and dedicated to the Western North Carolina veterans who gave their lives in service to our country in Vietnam. Their names are inscribed on the memorial, listed chronologically by date of death and based on the home of record by the National Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC.
The dedication was the culmination of a three-year project initiated by the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), Chapter 124, Asheville. After bringing the travelling wall to Asheville for many years, the group wanted to create something permanent. A tribute written by Pat Barnes, the wife of a Vietnam veteran, notes: “This monument, black granite shining with glory, is their contribution, erected with respect, love and extreme honor to all soldiers and comrades who fought.”
Carroll “Spider” Trantham, VVA member and Master of Ceremonies, welcomed a standing-room only crowd which included Vietnam Gold Star Families (those who lost a loved one in that war); Vietnam veterans and their families; members of the Patriot Guard, American Legion, VFW, Transylvania County Honor Guard, Eastern Band of the Cherokee Nation Honor Guard, and Disabled Veterans of America; representatives from the offices of Senators Tillis and Burr; and VA hospital staff and members of the WNC community.
“This is a three-year project which finally came together today,” said Trantham. “The VVA did this for the vets of Western North Carolina so they would have a place to come to. The VA hospital was the logical place – eventually all of us come here. We are proud to have brought these names to North Carolina, where they belong.”
After the invocation by Ed Tanner, Chaplain at the Medical Center, members of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Nation Honor Guard presented the Colors, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Ted Minnick, US Army, Vietnam.
Stephanie Young, Director of the Charles George VA Medical Center, praised the VVA and those who made the monument possible, noting that this memorial, while long overdue, was a heartfelt way of saying “thank you.”
The crowd was somber as six veterans recited the 164 names inscribed on the memorial. The only discernable sounds were the flapping of American flags in the autumn breeze and the bell rung after each name was pronounced. Members of the family of deceased veteran Richard Waycaster, assisted by the Transylvania County Honor Guard, placed a wreath at the monument.
The ceremony concluded with a benediction by Jerimiah Richards, Chaplain at the Medical Center and a gun salute, flag folding ceremony and the playing of Taps by the Transylvania County Honor Guard. A flock of white doves was released by owner Julia Gaunt and circled overhead as a piper played Amazing Grace. Members of the audience were visibly moved by the beauty, eloquence, and significance of this ceremony honoring our Vietnam veterans.
As the crowd dispersed, the Gold Star Families proceeded to the black granite wall, searching for their loved ones, touching their names as they found them. Pictures were taken, tears were shed, but the overall sentiment was one of gratitude and relief as they quietly voiced the words Vietnam veterans seldom heard as they returned from war: “Welcome Home, Brother.”
- Vietnam War Memorial unveiled. Photo by Michel Robertson
- Taps played by Irene Williams (TC Honor Guard) and a member of the Cherokee Nation Honor Guard. Photo by Michel Robertson
- Mrs. Betty Melton, mother of veteran Wesley Melton, traced his name on the wall. Photo by Michel Robertson
- Gold Star Family members of deceased Vietnam veteran Richard Waycaster. Left to right: mother Virginia Waycaster, brother Roger Waycaster, sister Brenda Jackson. Not pictured, sisters Loretta Robertson and Janice Anderson. Photo by Michel Robertson
- Jim Bohn, USMC and Clentis Williams, USN of the Transylvania County Honor Guard performed the flag folding ceremony. The flag was presented to Sarah Young, Director of the Charles George VA Medical Center. Photo by Michel Robertson
Before you comment
The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.