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Williamsburg Honors Vietnam War Veterans at Special Ceremony

Vietnam War Veterans gather for a heartfelt ceremony in Williamsburg, reflecting on their service.

News Summary

On March 29, 2025, VFW Post 4639 in Williamsburg, Virginia, hosted a heartfelt ceremony honoring nearly 50 Vietnam War veterans. The event highlighted their sacrifices and contributions during the war, featuring speeches from dignitaries and sharing personal stories about the immense dedication of U.S. Navy Seabees. Attendees included local officials and veterans who were recognized for their bravery, aligning with the National Vietnam War Veterans Day. The event served as a poignant reminder of the legacy of veterans and the community’s commitment to honoring their service.

Williamsburg, Virginia Celebrates Vietnam War Veterans at VFW Ceremony

On March 29, 2025, nearly 50 Vietnam War veterans gathered at VFW Post 4639 in Williamsburg, Virginia to be honored at a special ceremony commemorating their service during a challenging period in American history. This event was a heartfelt nod to the sacrifices and contributions that veterans made during the Vietnam War.

As the sun shone brightly, the atmosphere buzzed with camaraderie and respect. The ceremony kicked off with the beloved National Anthem, stirring emotions as all present stood with pride. Tom Monahan, the Chapter President of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 957, welcomed guests and shared initial thoughts about the significance of the day, setting the warm and reflective tone for the event.

A Tribute to Service

The event featured a thoughtful invocation by Reverend Chuck Mullaly, who’s not just a spiritual leader but also a Vietnam veteran himself. His words resonated with many in the audience, reminding attendees of the gravity of their shared experiences.

Among the dignitaries present were Congressman Rob Wittman, who proudly represents Virginia’s First Congressional District, and Jim Icenhour, a member of the James City County Board of Supervisors. Delegate Amanda Batten, representing the 71st District in the Virginia House of Delegates, also attended, underscoring the importance of community and support for veterans.

Serving as one of the guest speakers, LTJG Sayd Hussain, CEC, a Construction Manager assigned to the Public Works Department at the Naval Weapons Station Yorktown, shared insights into the monumental role of the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. He spoke about the impressive participation of over 1.8 million Sailors who served, with more than 220,000 being deployed to Southeast Asia. His anecdotes painted a vivid picture of the Navy’s contributions, particularly highlighting the vital work of the U.S. Navy Seabees.

The Legacy of the Seabees

LTJG Hussain emphasized that over 10,000 Seabees were organized into Construction Battalions, diligently working to construct and maintain critical shore infrastructure in Vietnam. These skilled individuals provided essential support that significantly impacted military and humanitarian efforts throughout the war. The audience was especially entranced when LTJG Hussain recounted the Seabees’ participation in USO tours for the legendary comedian, Bob Hope. As a nod to this unique history, the maritime pre-positioning ship, USNS Bob Hope, carries the comedian’s name to this day.

The story of the Seabees is not without its share of tragedy, as LTJG Hussain noted that nearly 1,600 Sailors from the Navy lost their lives during the Vietnam War, including 85 Seabees. The audience remembered notable figures such as Steelworker Second Class William Hoover, the first Seabee to die in combat, and Construction Mechanic Third Class Marvin Shields, the first Seabee to receive the Medal of Honor.

A Heartfelt Recognition

Adding to the day’s significance, Virginia Department of Veterans Services Deputy Commissioner Stephen Combs read a special proclamation from Governor Glenn Youngkin, further solidifying the day’s importance. A portion of the ceremony was dedicated to presenting veterans’ certificates and commemorative pins, distributed by Congressman Wittman and Art Garrison of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 957, recognizing the dedication and bravery of those who served.

As the ceremony wrapped up, a solemn moment of silence was observed, accompanied by the poignant sounds of taps, allowing everyone to reflect on the sacrifices made by veterans. The event echoed nationwide, aligning with the Vietnam War Recognition Act of 2017, which designates March 29th as National Vietnam War Veterans Day. The gathering was a beautiful reminder of the unbreakable spirit of veterans and the importance of honoring their legacy.