I have names etched on the Wall and in my heart that I shared time with in Pleiku Vietnam. For those that fight for it, freedom has a special flavor the protected will never know.
So awesome my Uncle was Thomas R Kelley we will be visiting the wall on Friday. Thank you again and to all the soldiers and their families for their ultimate sacrifice.
On Panel 37W, Line 66 is the name, Larry Lee Marsh, a boyhood friend. He was a Navy Corpsman assigned to the Marine Corps. He gave his life for our nation on December 8, 1968. Larry was a graduate of Lakeview High School. May he Rest In Peace.
Thank you, Michael, for producing this companion presentation to honor the local visit of The Wall That Heals. I appreciate you highlighting the five local heroes, including Thomas Kelly. As a former Athens resident, I was not aware of his story before viewing this video. I am humbled by his service and sacrifice. 🇺🇸 Matt Crosby
Thank you for this excellent video about the sacrifices the young men and families from our little neck of the woods made for our country in the Vietnam War. I am sure my father who was a career man in the United States Army, must have been aware of the sacrifice of Mr. Kelley. My father was also in the 101st Airborne Division and also was stationed in Hawaii. Fortunately, my father survived two tours in Vietnam and came home. He was awarded the bronze star for bravery for his service in Vietnam. He died in 1973 and is buried in the old portion of the Ft. Custer National Cemetery. SFC-E8 Eugene Wesley Sweezy 1938-1973
Panel 49 W of this memorial: JOHN A HOLDERBAUM, U.S. Army. Later awarded the Bronze Star. Rest in peace, my brother. The video was quite inspiring but brought back many, many memories (some not so positive) from that era. John grew up in Kalamazoo.
I went to see the replica when it was here. I took photos- I teach US history at BCCHS and have included this video in oneofmy lesson plans about the Vietnam War
My wife’s boyfriend at the time was killed in Vietnam. He is one of the 50 from Battle Creek Calhoun County. His name is Paul L. Frederickson. He was killed May 9th 1968 in the Quang Tri province. He was 21 at the time. My wife has visited his grave religiously ever Memorial Day. I wear his name on my motorcycle vest in memory of him. My wife is looking forward to seeing the Healing Wall.