JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — More than 200 people came together to honor Vietnam veterans at the Jacksonville National Cemetery Saturday.
Saturday’s event was a celebration three years in the making. The dedication lasted around two hours. The monument was unveiled to honor all those who served in the Vietnam War.
A large group gathered to honor a group of veterans finally getting the recognition they deserve.
Retired Maj. Gen. Arnold Fields of the US Vietnam War Commemoration says, “This is really about the people, it's really about the Vietnam veteran.”
Vietnam veteran Tony D’Aleo says, “It's been many years that people didn't like Vietnam veterans and we're changing that.”
The granite memorial to recognize Vietnam veterans cost more than$40,000. All the money was raised by veterans. It represents a welcoming home to those who served and sacrificed in the war.
Fields says, “This is an event that we actually should have done and celebrated 50 years ago.”
The memorial’s design had to be approved by the National Cemetery Department in Washington -- a process that took more than 15 months. Vietnam veteran Jerome Domask was the artist who provided the inspiration.
Domask says, “(The) Vietnam war was different and this memorial is different. The front of the memorial is shaped in a womb as to provide to provide a final resting place for the veterans in peace, honor and respect.”
The monument was also designed to be viewed from 360 degrees, representing the fact that veterans always have each other’s back.
The monument was proposed and supported by the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1046 in Jacksonville.
WJAX
