You are running in honor of a fallen Vietnam service member, the link to whose story time has obscured. This Memorial Day, your steps honor 1 of over 58,000 service members who died while serving in Vietnam from 1955 to 1975. The average age of a fallen Vietnam hero was 23 years old, and the youngest officer killed in the conflict was only 15. Families were notified of their loved one’s death by telegram. Decades later, our nation still grieves the loss of these heroes, and honors the bravery and sacrifice of all those who served.
Today, the Department of Veteran Affairs, reports that the median age of a Vietnam veteran is 74 years old. At this moment, we recognize the urgent responsibility to collectively honor our Vietnam fallen heroes within the lifetime of their peers.