In North Reading, A Wall Brings Back Memories Of Vietnam War

NORTH READING, Ma. - What is to many in 2019 a chapter in a history book, Thursday night at the Ipswich River Park became so much more.

More than a year in the making, hundreds turned out for the first of four days of ceremonies surrounding The Wall That Heals, a tribute to those who served and died in the Vietnam War.

The Wall That Heals is a 375-foot, three-quarter scale replica of the memorial that's located in Washington, DC bearing the names of the 58,276 men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam. The Wall That Heals honors the more than three million Americans who served in the U. S. Armed Forces in the Vietnam War.

Though the war ended more than 40 years ago, the memories remain.

"A name on the wall touches a wound in the heart that is still very real," said Reverend Richard Hughes of the North Reading Congregational Church during the invocation.

Bringing the wall to North Reading was the work of Susan Magner, North Reading's Veterans Director. The wall travels to 34 cities and towns across the country each year and Magner applied in May 2018 to make her town one of those stops in 2019. The Wall came from Conway (NH) and arrived on Tuesday. After Sunday's closing ceremonies its next stop is Bellingham.

"This endeavor has drawn on the very best of North Reading," said State Senator Bruce Tarr. "It is an event and a time that deserves the very best."

With the Wall behind him, Tarr spoke of a similar story behind each name.

"In too many instances there was a knock on the door. A family member had been killed," said Tarr. "There were more than 58,000 knocks on the door. All the promise of those young lives extinguished."

The Lynn English JROTC helped perform the Missing Man Table Ceremony. Five of its members surrounded an empty table, and with bag pipes playing in the backround, Captain Steve Castinetti explained the symbolism.

The table is set for our prisoners of war and those missing in action from all wars. They're not with us today. Their chairs are empty, but saved for their hoped return. Let us remember their absence ... Let us remember the men and women prisoners of war from all branches of service that are too often forgotten. Let us remember them. The table cloth is white, symbolizing the purity of their intentions to respond to their country's call to arms so that their children could remain free. Remember. The lone candle symbolizes the frailty of a prisoner alone, trying to stand up against his oppressors. Remember. The black ribbon on the candle reminds us of those who will not be coming home. Remember. The single rose reminds us of the loved ones and families of our comrades in arms who keep the faith and await their return. Remember.

The roll call of those killed in action included many local towns.

Reading's Veterans Services Officer Kevin Bohmiller read the names of the seven Reading men killed in action – Peter Malcolm Bredbury, Robert James Croce, John William Hanscom, Michael Dennis Havel, Robert Alan Holt, Bruce Carlton Parmelee, and Edward Allen Putney.

North Reading's Arthur Cole, Commander of the VFW Post 10874, read the names of the three North Reading men killed in action – Daniel David Callahan, Jimmie Michael Couto, and Eugene Raymond Moreau.

Stoneham's Veterans Agent Jim Devlin read the names of the five men from Stoneham killed in action – Joseph Timothy Campbell, Joseph Carmen Cerrone, Paul Robert Moran, George Clifton Schultz, James English, Richard Fitzgibbons Jr., and Richard Fitzgibbons III.

The ceremonies came to an end with the North Reading Minit & Militia firing off a volley from their muskets, followed by the playing of taps.

If you haven't seen the wall, it's open all day and worth a visit. The truck it arrived in contains history, memorabilia, and stories related to the Vietnam War. And it's all free. Events also continue at its temporary home in the Ipswich River Park.

On Friday at 6 p.m., North Reading Town Administrator Michael Gilleberto will be the Master of Ceremonies at the Welcome Home ceremony. After the Presentation of Colors, Ayla Brown will sing the National Anthem. The invocation will be done by Bishop Mark O'Connell of St. Theresa's Church. Guest speakers will be State Representative and North Reading resident Brad Jones, Select Board Member Richard Wallner, and Vietnam Veteran Richard Stratton. Honored guest speakers will be Secretary Francisco Urena of the Division of Veterans Services, and Sgt Michelle O'Keefe of the USANG. After the speakers there will be a presentation to Vietnam Veterans and Gold Star Families. A volley and taps will end the night.

Saturday at 6 p.m. there will be a candlelight vigil. The US Navy Ceremonial Band will play from 6-7 p.m. and Magner will again be the Master of Ceremonies. The invocation will be done by Reverend Rachel Fisher of the Aldersgate Church. Speakers include Colonel Matthew J. Kennedy, US Army. A candle lighting will be held with Amazing Grace performed by the Fire Fighters Bag Pipers.

Sunday's closing ceremony runs from 2-3 p.m. The North Reading Police Honor Guard will present the colors, and God Bless America will be sung by Cassidy Nicholas. Farewell remarks will be given by Magner.