In Harrisonburg, Virginia, community members are being urged to recognize local Vietnam War veterans as part of an upcoming memorial event. This initiative seeks to honor the service members who made the ultimate sacrifice during the conflict.
Memorial Unveiling for Vietnam War Veterans
The memorial unveiling is scheduled for 2 p.m. on March 29 at Court Square, located in front of the Harrisonburg-Rockingham County Circuit Court. A small stone marker was initially placed there in 1973, honoring nine local men. However, as the Vietnam War continued until 1975, additional names of local service members were left unrecognized.
Service Members to Be Honored
Among those whose names will be commemorated are:
- SP4 Norman Norwood Miller — April 1966
- 1st Lt. Garland D. Whitmore II — September 1967
- Sgt. Elza Morton Brewer, Jr. — November 1967
- PFC William Medford Pangle — April 1968
- Cpl. Cecil Thomas Oscar — June 1968
- SP4 Basil Lee Hareford — July 1968
- LCpl George Dolbryn Thomas — May 1969
- EN George William Simmers, Jr. — September 1969
- PFC Dickie Carson Curry — July 1970
- SP4 Carroll Steven Plum — September 1970
- SSgt Charles Venton McGovern — November 1976
- A1C Kenneth Wilson Shook — September 1968
Community Participation Encouraged
Chaz Haywood, Clerk of Court, emphasizes the importance of preserving the memories of those who served. He encourages relatives and friends of the fallen veterans to share their stories at the unveiling. Contributions in the form of short biographies about the lives of these servicemen are also welcomed.
In addition to the memorial update, a new flagpole will be dedicated during the ceremony. Community members with connections to the listed service members are encouraged to reach out to the Harrisonburg-Rockingham County Circuit Court at 540-564-3111.
This event highlights the need to honor the Vietnam War veterans and to ensure their sacrifices are remembered within the community.
