Published June 08. 2023 02:39PM
About 75 Bethlehem area residents gathered at the Vietnam Memorial at city hall on Memorial Day to remember and honor the 35 whose names are engraved on it. The short remembrance service is coordinated by the Marine Corps League Bethlehem Detachment #284, and was emceed by Detachment #284 Commandant Douglas Graves. Guest speaker, Bethlehem Councilwoman Rachel Leon, a U.S. Navy veteran, related the impact that making the ultimate sacrifice has on comrades in arms. Each name listed on the memorial was mentioned, an individual photo presented, and a memorial bell rung once. Participants included Reverend Suzanne Trump, who gave an invocation, Freedom HS senior Sophia Tremblar, who sang the National Anthem, John Bauer who sang an armed forces medley, Robert Hawke, who performed “Taps,” and Liberty HS piper Elifah Quan, who played “Amazing Grace.”
Vietnam #1: Freedom High School senior Sophia Tremlar sings the National Anthem as Douglas Graves, Commandant of Marine Corps League Detachment #284, salutes.
Vietnam #2: “We are here to remember our brothers and sisters,” says Bethlehem City Councilwoman Rachel Leon, a U. S. Navy veteran.
Vietnam #3: Each of the 35 names etched in the Vietnam Memorial monument was read aloud, a photo presented, and the memorial bell rung.
Vietnam: #4: U. S. Air Force veteran John Bauer performs an armed forces medley.
U.S. Marine Robert Hawke plays “Taps” with members of the Vietnam War Veterans of the Patriot Guard Riders in the background. Press photos by Dana Grubb
Liberty HS Grenadier Band piper Elijah Quan performs “Amazing Grace.”
The Vietnam Memorial on East Church Street contains the names of 35 Bethlehem area servicemen who lost their lives in the Vietnam War.
