Randy Keho

7 years ago · 1 min. reading time · ~10 ·

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LZ Peace Memorial: Gone, But Not Forgotten

LZ Peace Memorial: Gone, But Not Forgotten

Ba SR — SR VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL GUARD * MARINES * NAVYIn 1969, a pair of soldiers from my hometown of Rockford, Illinois, met on a hilltop in Plekiu, South Vietnam. They vowed to meet for dinner if and when they ever made it back home. They held true to their vow. In 1982, they created the charter chapter of VietNow, a veteran's organization dedicated to dealing with ongoing issues, such as Agent Orange. There are now more than 40 chapters across the country. In 1989, they joined forces with three other local veterans, one of whom is friend of mine, and formed the Vietnam Veteran's Honor Society to raise money for the monument pictured above. The name of another friend's brother is inscribed on the black granite wall.

In 2005, the memorial became a reality. It sits along a bike path that runs through the grounds of Midway Village, which is a local history museum. The memorial features a Wall of Honor, with the names of 75 local veterans etched upon it, and a fully restored Huey helicopter perched above the wall. It also served during the war. On Memorial Day 2016, they dedicated another memorial, located nearby, to those who have died from the effects of Agent Orange. "Although they didn't die in Vietnam," says Tony Circelli, who helped raise the funds. "They died from being in Vietnam."

I took these pictures on July 4, 2012. Look for me this year, proudly wearing my black and white POW/MIA baseball cap.

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#Illinois #Vietnam #LZ Peace Memorial #Agent Orange #Rockford
Comments

Randy Keho

7 years ago #7

#19
You're too kind. Margaret Aranda, MD, PhD I'm always glad to help, especially veterans.

Fran 🐝 Brizzolis

7 years ago #6

Thanks you so much Randy Keho.

Lisa Gallagher

7 years ago #5

Very powerful story Randy Keho. Excellent photo's that tell a story too. I can't imagine what it had to be like to be a POW, I just can't imagine! My husband has a VET employed with his company; great employee with a good heart & smart as hell. I've heard stories from him and other VETS that break my heart and melt my heart. So much respect. Thanks for sharing this.

Randy Keho

7 years ago #4

#8
The most eye-opening experience for me was talking with another hometown veteran who was a POW from 1968 until the mass release in 1973. He was a guest speaker at the dedication of the memorial.

Randy Keho

7 years ago #3

#6
Thank you, Leckey.

Mohammed Abdul Jawad

7 years ago #2

#4
An inspiring narration with heart-felt parables that say many things. Thanks for recalling this story and sharing here so the world knows how people live their lives in patience out of sheer love.

Fran 🐝 Brizzolis

7 years ago #1

Probably an ancestor of mine is there, his name Louis Emidio Brizzoli. Semper Fiedelis.

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