About the Memorial

The photo of the memorial is a contribution from Dexter Balyeat of Haymond Law.

We chose this photo because it best tells the story of the names and the events of the Vietnam War. Above the names on the center panels, the Memorial dates our obligation in this war beginning in 1959 and officially ending in 1975. Between those years are the names of those who gave all. The reflection of the flags in the granite on their names is the reason these soldiers put their life on the line for their country. Members of the “Marine Corps League,” reflected in the granite, pay tribute to our brothers in arms. The service emblems below the names include the five branches of the military that participated in this war. The left panel pays tribute to those women who cared for our wounded soldiers and lost their lives in the process. The right panel shows three battle wary soldiers as they continue the fight for freedom. On each side of the Memorial, the Honor Guard stands at attention. To the left of the Honor Guard, the display shows the last Roll Call, a final tribute paid by soldiers to their fallen comrades. The M-16, which we all carried, is inverted with a bayonet stuck in the ground that signals a time for prayer, and pays tribute to our fallen comrade. An empty helmet, hanging dog tags, and the folded American flag are atop the empty combat boots, of a soldiers’ final march, to the last battle. Those who returned home deceased are signified by the box he would be buried in. This table is set for all of those prisoners of war or missing in action from all wars. They are not with us today. Their chairs are empty, but saved for their hoped return. Let us remember their absence. Let us remember United States Air Force, Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard This table is our way of symbolizing that members of our profession of arms are missing from our midst. They are commonly call P.O.W.'s or M.I.A.'s, we call them brothers. The table symbolizes the frailty of our prisoners against their oppressors. The white table cloth symbolizes the purity of their intentions to respond to their country’s call to arms. The single rose displayed in a vase reminds us of the families and loved ones of our comrades in arms who keep faith awaiting their return. The red ribbon tied so prominently on the vase is reminiscent of the red ribbon worn on the lapel and breasts of thousands who bear witness to their unyielding determination to demand a proper accounting for our missing. A slice of lemon is on the bread plate to remind us of their bitter fate. There is salt upon the bread plates, which is symbolic of the family’s tears as they wait. The glasses are inverted to show that our brothers cannot toast with us tonight. The chairs are empty because they are not here. Remember all of you who served with them and called them comrades, who depended on their might and aid, and relied on them, for surely they have not forsaken you.

The American flag is the reason we remember the names of these soldiers and the POW flag reminds us they should never be forgotten.

Joe DiPietro
Badjoe242
Muleskinners

The purpose of this website is to collaborate groups of people who will support organizations and charitable functions in memory of the 612 men from Connecticut who gave their lives in the Vietnam War. The website and its organizations will be veterans, active duty, fire, police, and community. We continue to support those families who have lost loved ones in Vietnam. Any of those families will be allowed to post a statement, picture, or medal that pertains to their loved one on the website. Any family member wishing to do so, please click the “contact us” section of this website.