HGSIC Partners with Local Veteran Organizations to Honor Vietnam War Era Veterans with Commemorative Program

On March 29, 2025, the community came together for a ceremony to honor the Vietnam War Era Veterans of Indiana County. This event, part of the national Vietnam War Era Commemoration directive from the United States Department of Defense, marked the culmination of a 13-year commemoration. The evening was a collaborative effort between the Historical Society and local veteran organizations, seeking to acknowledge the service and sacrifices of Vietnam War Era Veterans, and to express gratitude for the indelible mark they have left within our community and nation.

A Gathering of Remembrance

The historic Richard W. Watson American Legion Post 141 provided a fitting backdrop for March 29th’s event.  The guests of honor began arriving shortly after 5:00 p.m., shaking hands with and embracing their brothers-in-arms from decades past, as they made their way to the reception area.

The program began with a welcome from Wesley Wertz, Commander of American Legion Post 141, to guests in a room nearing its full capacity. An opening prayer was led by Don Becker, Chaplain of V.F.W. Post 1989, followed by the Star Spangled Banner. Sheriff Robert Fyock led the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance as all voices joined in the room to echo the powerful words. The Sheriff followed with a heartfelt welcome, emphasizing the significance of the evening for the veterans and their families.

Participants stand for the Pledge of Allegiance led by Sheriff Robert Fyock. Photograph courtesy of Anthony Frazier

With the mood now one of reflection and contemplation, the three county commissioners read a proclamation, further emphasizing the importance of March 29 and its significance to Vietnam War Era Veterans, their families, and the community.

Following the proclamation, Hazel Johnston and Joel White’s performance of "God Bless the USA" enlivened the crowd, with numerous members joining in chorus, creating a powerful moment of unity and patriotism.

The atmosphere turned somber as the roll call and recognition of Indiana County’s Vietnam War service members killed in action were conducted by Commander Wertz of the Legion and Jessica Walker, Indiana County Director of Veterans Affairs. The room fell silent as the names of the fallen were read, a poignant reminder of the ultimate sacrifice made by these brave individuals. As each name rang out, wreaths bearing the names of the forty-one soldiers suspended from the ceiling served as a physical reminder of the great loss the county suffered over the course of the conflict.

Jessica Walker, Indiana County Director of Veterans Affairs (Center) and Commander of American Legion, Post 141, Wesley Wertz (Right), read the names of Indiana County's 41 Vietnam servicemen killed in action. Also pictured, Sheriff Robert Fyock (Left) Photograph courtesy of Anthony Frazier

Herb Gleditsch then took the podium to introduce the special commemorative medallion being issued that evening. He explained in detail the symbolism of the design and its significance. Volunteers then distributed the medallions; this was followed by a moving rendition of "Amazing Grace," which brought a sense of peace and reflection to the gathering.

Herb Gleditsch explains the commemorative medallion issued to Vietnam War Era Veterans at the March 29 program. Photograph courtesy of Anthony Frazier

As the ceremony neared its end, local officials and community figures in attendance were recognized, and Sheriff Fyock acknowledged the contributions of the various organizations that made the evening possible. The crowd then once again fell silent as Don Becker delivered a closing prayer. With all heads bowed, there was a collective sense of mourning for the lost and acknowledging the incredible ordeal that many men in the room faced.

As the word "amen" was spoken by those in attendance, the ceremony gracefully concluded, giving way to a time of fellowship and refreshments. Many stayed behind, sharing stories and reminiscing about the conflict that defined an entire generation with a level of understanding that only their brothers-in-arms could provide.

At the conclusion of the event, a group photograph was taken of all Vietnam War Era Veterans in attendance. Photograph courtesy of Anthony Frazier

Continuing to Honor Local Veterans

Although the official commemoration period for the Vietnam War Era Veterans has concluded, plans are already underway for an event on June 26, 2026, as part of the America250 celebration. This event will honor all veterans of Indiana County, regardless of the conflict in which they served.

In the meantime, several initiatives have been successfully implemented to create physical reminders of the incredible sacrifices made by veterans. These efforts are dedicated to preserving their legacy, ensuring that future generations can learn from and deeply appreciate the profound impact of their service.

Medallion Honoring Vietnam War Era Veterans

The medallion provided to veterans on March 29th featured a design crafted by a dedicated committee comprised of multiple organizations. The goal was to ensure all Vietnam War Era Veterans feel appreciated and recognized for their service. The design is rich in symbolism and detail:

Front of the Medallion: Prominently features the years of the Vietnam conflict, designating the holder as a veteran of the Vietnam War Era. At the center, the outline of Indiana County is displayed, emphasizing the unique local connection and pride.

Back of the Medallion: The center showcases the American Flag, surrounded by the phrase "Welcome Home" and the inscription "Thank you for your service." wrapping around the medallion’s border. This design serves as a heartfelt tribute to the veterans' sacrifices and contributions.

The medallion was made possible thanks to the financial support of the following groups and individuals: American Legion Post 141, American Legion Post 493, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1989, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 141, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 407, Sons of the American Legion Squadron 141, American Legion Home Association Post 141, American Legion Black Horse Riders Chapter 141, Sheriff Robert Fyock, and The Historical and Genealogical Society of Indiana County.

The Indiana County Wall That Heals

The "Indiana County Wall That Heals" exhibit, currently on display at the Richard W. Watson American Legion Post 141, is a poignant tribute to the sacrifices of local heroes from the Vietnam War Era. This exhibit features rubbings of the forty-one names of the servicemen killed in action during the Vietnam War, ensuring that their contributions are remembered and honored.

When “The Wall That Heals” traveled through Indiana County, dedicated volunteers from the Historical Society undertook the meticulous task of making rubbings of each name connected to our community. These rubbings were transcribed onto our own Indiana County “Wall That Heals” exhibit, seamlessly integrating local sacrifices into the broader national narrative.

This exhibit serves as both an educational tool and a tangible, emotional connection to our shared past. It invites visitors to pause, reflect, and engage with history in a deeply personal way, fostering a profound appreciation for the bravery and sacrifices of those who served. By connecting the local and national stories, the exhibit ensures that the legacy of our heroes is preserved and honored for generations to come.

A photograph of the Indiana County Wall That Heals after it was first revealed. Rubbings of the 41 KIAs from Indiana County are arranged to commemorate the servicemen who made the ultimate sacrifice. The wall is currently on display at the American Legion, Post 141 in Indiana. Photograph from the collection of the HGSIC

Commemorative Photographs

On the evening of March 29, 2025, photographers were present with two important missions: to capture portraits of the Vietnam War Era Veterans in attendance and to document the entirety of the ceremony.

The portraits, set against a backdrop featuring the Vietnam War Era commemorative flag, will be showcased in a special exhibit at the Museum throughout late April and May 2025. These photographs provide the broader community with a chance to honor the faces behind the history, ensuring that each story and sacrifice is remembered.

Portraits of local Vietnam War Era Veterans who were in attendance at the March 29 event will be on display at the Historical Society until the end of May 2025. Photograph from the collection of the HGSIC

Society Secretary Allen Fiechuk, assisted by HGSIC volunteer Louise Peterman, managed the photograph station, while Anthony Frazier masterfully captured every moment of the event. Their efforts ensured that the memories of the evening would be preserved for posterity.

The photographs will be stored both digitally and in print format in the Society’s archives. As a token of appreciation, each participating veteran and their family will receive a copy of their commemorative photograph from the evening. This gesture ensures that the legacy of their service is honored and remembered.

A hardbound book on the history of the Vietnam conflict was signed by attending veterans, adding a deeply personal companion to the photographs taken over the course of the evening. Photograph courtesy of Anthony Frazier

Preserving a Legacy for Future Generations

The March 29th commemorative event was just one step in the ongoing effort to honor and preserve the legacy of local veterans. Through continuous projects and future events, in collaboration with various organizations, the Historical and Genealogical Society of Indiana County remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that the sacrifices of these brave individuals are never forgotten.

Many of the veterans who served during the Vietnam War Era call Indiana County home, and their stories of courage and sacrifice are part of our local history. By honoring them publicly, we reaffirm our commitment to remembering their service and ensuring that future generations understand the impact of their sacrifices.

---

If you are an Indiana County Vietnam War Era Veterans and did not receive a medallion, please contact the Historical and Genealogical Society of Indiana County at 724-463-9600 or email info@hgsic.org to secure your copy today.

Thank you to the special committee who planned and organized the event. The committee consisted of Jonathan Bogert, Elaine Maudie, Greta Helsel, Hazel Johnston, Louise Peterman, Allen Fiechuk, Scott Cramer, Wesley Wertz, and Sheriff Robert Fyock.

Special thanks to Anthony Frazier for providing additional images for this article.

We invite the public to come and see the display of the portraits of the Vietnam War Era Veterans during the Society's regular business hours Tuesday through Friday, 9 to 4 and Saturday, 10 to 3.