Alice Dunaway
The threat of rain didn’t stop St. Louisians from attending Saturday’s ceremonies at the American Veterans Traveling Tribute (AVTT) Traveling Wall proceedings at Lindbergh High School.
People of all ages turned out to view the wall and watch the ceremony. Children, students, their parents, Boy Scouts, veterans of Vietnam and other wars turned out in droves.
The support of the community was important to those who had been affected by the war. There were men who had arrived on Wednesday and hadn’t left, choosing to sleep in their cars instead of leaving the wall.
A rain shower interrupted the beginning of the ceremony, but those who turned up to watch were directed to the high school auditorium.
Butch Thomas, president of the Sunset Hills Historical Society, gave the welcome and Mark Kilcoyne of KTRS radio served as master of ceremonies
“I do believe that when it comes to veterans, there are no political parties, no partisanship. I believe there is a universal respect for those who answered that call of duty,” Kilcoyne said.
The St. Louis Service Women’s Post 404, one of two all female American Legion posts in Missouri, had its color guard post the colors, before the singing of the national anthem. When the national anthem began, one could hear the pride in the voices of those who were singing.
After the national anthem, the Concord School Flyers 4th and 5th grade choir sang patriotic songs, including “God Bless America,” “We Celebrate America,” “God Bless the USA,” “What Do You Say To A Hero,” and “Thankful for the USA.”
Air Force Chaplain Marian Whitfield gave the invocation before Provisional Judge Charles Berry of Crestwood gave the keynote address.
“Words don’t exist in any language that do tribute to those whose names are on the wall,” Berry said to the crowd.
Berry is a Vietnam veteran and recipient of the Silver Star, Purple Heart and the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Throughout his address, Berry talked about how veterans from all walks of life, races, and backgrounds were discriminated against for their service in the war.
“Let’s just say that those around us thought it was all our fault and we should have been held responsible,” Berry said.
Looking out into the audience, one could see veterans from all branches fighting back or discretely wiping away tears. Berry had to pause a few times during his remarks to regain composure and walked back to his seat to a standing ovation.
After Berry’s remarks, the American Gold Star Mothers and Siblings service organization gave a presentation, before U.S. Representative Ann Wagner rose to speak.
Wagner, whose son is currently in the Army as a member of 101st Airborne, discussed how one generation should honor another, especially those who served in the military.
A tribute to the eight women on the wall followed Wagner’s remarks. Members of the 325th Army Combat Support Hospital Bravo Company made a fallen solider display and then it placed pictures of the women who had lost their lives serving in Vietnam.
After this display, Chaplain Whitfield gave the benediction and read the prayer of an army nurse before Taps and the retrieval of colors.
Poppies, flags and hats designating the service of those wearing them could be seen throughout the event. Afterwards, veterans hugged one another before they made their way to the wall, where they left tokens and mementos. Others touched the wall, running their fingers over the names of those who had lost their lives in a war they will never forget.
Honoring. Respecting. Remembering.
Show-Me Hero Salute invites you to join in this special event,
June 12-16, 2013.
Escort starts at 3:00 pm, Wednesday, June 12.
Viewing starts at 1:00 pm, Thursday, June 13, ends at 3:00 pm, Sunday, June 16.
AVTT Traveling Wall display and programs both are at Lindbergh High School.
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