Vietnam War Veterans Commemorated at Loudoun County Courthouse

March 29, 2025 marked the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. In 2017 President Trump signed the Vietnam War Veterans recognition act officially recognizing March 29 as National Vietnam Veterans Day. It is a day Americans can Welcome Home and say Thank You to those who served their country in an unpopular war. A Vietnam War Memorial in front of Loudoun County Courthouse lists the names of twelve men killed in action during service in Vietnam. Those names were read and a bell rung commemorating their sacrifice in service to the Nation. A POW/MIA flag beside a Missing Man Table commemorated 1,582 servicemen who remain unaccounted for in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and the territorial waters of China. Members of VFW-1177 executed a three-shot rifle salute and rendered Taps in honor of all Vietnam Veterans and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Participating organizations included: Sgt Maj John Champe Chapter, Virginia SAR; VFW Post 1177; the USMC league of Loudoun County; and the Leonard W. Kidd Memorial American Legion Post 2001. The brother and Nephew of Richard Grigsby, one of the Loudoun County men killed in Vietnam, attended in honor of their family member. Elected officials attending included: Loudoun County Sheriff Mike Chapman, Loudoun County Board of Supervisors Chair Phyllis Randall, Loudoun County Board of Supervisors for the Broad Run district Sylvia Glass, and Leesburg Mayor Kelly Burk. Representing the Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution was President Michael Weyler, Captain USN (Ret) and a Vietnam Veteran.

Guest speaker was Andrew Wilson who served as a Ranger in Vietnam as a U.S. Army Captain. He was severely injured by a land mine in September 1969. Captain Wilson talked about his experience and the value of his training as an Army Ranger. He related his training and experience to how it prepared him for life after the U.S. Army.