Post 2001 Participated in National Vietnam War Veterans Day Event in Leesburg

SMJC partnered with VFW Post 1177 (Leesburg) and American Legion Leonard W. Kidd Memorial Post 2001 (Ashburn) to execute the program. Because of high winds the colors were pre-posted. Colors included the SAR 250 flag. A POW/MIA flag was posted away from the colors with a Missing Man Table near the POW/MIA flag. The pledge of Allegiance was led by a SMJC Compatriot. The National Anthem was led by United States Army veteran Anita Bonner. Master of Ceremonies was executed by SMJC President Schwoerer, Captain USN (Ret) and a Vietnam Veteran, who introduced the program and gave a summary of why the POW/MIA flag and Missing Man Table were displayed.

Loudoun County Board of Supervisors Chair-at-large Phyllis Randall brought greetings and talked about her memories of her father, a Vietnam Veteran with two tours in Vietnam.

Loudoun County Sheriff Mike Chapter gave remarks, Leesburg Mayor Kelly Burk gave remarks. VASSAR President Darrin Schmidt gave remarks.

SMJC Compatriot Ryan gave a short history of the Vietnam War and introduced the guest speaker. The guest speaker was Captain Kenneth “Dutch” Rauch, USN (Ret), a Vietnam Veteran who flew A-4’s and A-7’s as a young Navy pilot against North Vietnam. He related his experiences and observations. VASSAR President Darrin Schmidt presented Captain Rauch a SAR 250 Challenge Coin. Barry Schwoerer presented Captain Rauch a Certificate of Appreciation from VASSAR, VFW Post 1177 and American Legion Post 2001

A member of American Legion Post 2001 read the names of twelve (12) veterans from Loudoun County KIA in Vietnam. After each name was read, SMJC Compatriot and Vietnam Veteran Mark Sink rang a 1/3 size Liberty Bell provided by SMJC Compatriot Warner Workman. Following the reading of names, the VFW Post 1177 Rifle Squad conducted a 3-shot rifle volley and a VFW Post 1177 Bugler played Taps.

Wreaths were presented by five DAR Chapters, the Reverend John Marks Society C.A.R, SMJC Chapter, and President Schmidt for VASSAR

Nine SMJC Compatriots attended and/or participated. Ken Bonner in Regimental uniform, Mark Sink in militia attire, Richard Ryan, John “Jack” Curtis and son, Barry Schwoerer, Warner Workman in militia attire, Martin Gainey, Rhett Wade, and Jim Watts

It is estimated that 45-55 persons attended with Eight Vietnam Veterans present.

Each of the county and city elected officials (Randall, Chapman and Burk) expressed appreciation for remembering Vietnam War Veterans. Mayor Burk remarked that our SAR Chapter was ubiquitous, she sees us everywhere. Veterans attending expressed appreciation for holding the event.

The chief editor of Loudoun Now, Norm Styer, attended, interviewed participants, took photographs and made a video:

· 30 MAR Vietnam Veterans Day article in Loudoun Now. https://www.loudounnow.com/news/remembering-those-who-served-on-vietnam-veterans-day/article_f5c60165-aeb3-46ee-916f-7715a4e6267a.html?utm_source=loudounnow.com&utm_campaign=%2Fnewsletter%2Foptimize%2Fdaily-headlines%2F%3F-dc%3D1774899149&utm_medium=email&utm_content=headline

· 30 MAR YouTube video posted by Loudoun Now https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YishGrtS4Fk&t=1s

2 APR Leesburg Patch (online newspaper) https://patch.com/virginia/leesburg/vietnam-war-veterans-honored-loudoun-county-courthouse-nodx Posted by SMJC Chapter