Veterans and current members of the armed services gathered at the Bryant Commons Veterans Memorial Park to pay tribute to those who gave some and those who gave all during the Vietnam War.

The annual Vietnam Veterans Recognition Day was held March 29. For 14 years, 1961-75, more than 3.4 million Americans served in Vietnam or Southeast Asia. More than 58,000 were killed. Another 1,580 remain listed as missing.

“From the bottom of my heart and from everybody in our nation, thank you,” said Liberty County Sheriff Will Bowman, “for everything you sacrificed for us.

“The United States is the front runner for protecting our world. We have to do our part – thank the veterans who were there for us. You don’t get the recognition you should, but I will give you as much as I can. May God bless you and keep all of your spirits high.”

Liberty County Commission Chairman Donald Lovette pointed out one of the pavers at the Veterans Memorial Walk bears the name of his uncle. His uncle even served a longer hitch in Vietnam so his little brother wouldn’t have to.

“We should never, never forget our history,” he said. “We have to pass that on to generations and generations to come for the sacrifices that were made.”

Sgt. 1st Class (ret.) Paul Spence also read from the poem he wrote called “Vietnam.”

The VVA chapter is working to bring “The Wall that Heals,” a mobile replica of the highly-acclaimed and often emotional Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C. The Wall that Heals will be at Bryant Commons from October 24-27. Along with the replica wall is a mobile education center. For more information on The Wall that Heals and its mobile education center and its sponsorships, call Dennis Fitzgerald at (912) 980-5204.

Watch our VIDEO below.