Members of Chapter 668 of Sinajana, GU were honored at the Guam Congress Building in Hagåtña in early November.
The Committee on Military Affairs, which works on veterans affairs, invited veterans who served in the Vietnam War to the Congress building for a flag-raising ceremony.
The members of the Committee on Military Affairs wanted to recognize veteran service organizations, as well as remember the lives lost to conflict.
The Navy Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps from Father Duenas Memorial School posted colors. Accompanying the raising of the American and Guamanian flags was the Guam Territorial Band playing the “Star-Spangled Banner” and “The Guam Hymn”.
After the ceremony, Chapter President Sgt. Dan Mendiola delivered a roll call and led a bell ceremony for the 77 service members who were killed in action during the Vietnam War, resulting in a solemn and sober response.
Members of the Vietnam veteran community have been invited to contribute items to a designated space at the Congress building. Throughout the month of November, mementos from the Vietnam War will be displayed for public viewing.
The ceremony was the second put forth by the legislature, with the first being held in October for Korean War veterans. In December, a ceremony will honor veterans from the Persian Gulf War.
Photos courtesy of The Guam Daily Post