Naval Museum hosts Vietnam Commemoration Event at JEB Little Creek-Fort Story

Photo By Max Lonzanida | Submitted Photo by Clay Farrington. MA2 Shannon Ellis, assigned to the Security Department at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, tolls a quarterdeck bell during a Vietnam Veterans Day Commemoration Ceremony aboard the facility. In attendance were over 250 sailors from area commands and a handful of Vietnam Era US Navy Veterans. (US Navy Photo by Clay Farrington/Released).  

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA, UNITED STATES

04.01.2019

Story by Max Lonzanida  

Naval History and Heritage Command

The Vietnam War Recognition Act of 2017 formally designated March 29 as National Vietnam War Veterans Day, joining six other military centered observances honoring the sacrifices of service members both past and present, and on March 29, 2019, a commemorative event brought together Vietnam Veterans and sailors in front of an iconic Vietnam Era River Patrol Boat.

Gathered in-front of the PBR boat located in the Naval Special Warfare Group Four’s area aboard JEB Little Creek-Fort Story were nearly 260 sailors from 16 commands who gathered to commemorate the date. Also, in attendance were Vietnam Era US Navy Veterans from the PBR Forces Veterans Association and Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the Game Wardens Association, who joined the Hampton Roads Naval Museum in a brief ceremony commemorating the war which forever changed the lives of many.

Museum Director, John Pentangelo provided some opening remarks and thanked the sea of sailors for attending. Pentangelo announced the museum’s bold plans to open an exhibit which showcases the US Navy’s involvement in the Vietnam War. He hinted that the new exhibit will showcase “activities of the naval intelligence and special warfare communities, the Surface Navy, Naval Air Power, Riverine Operations, and the vast capabilities of the United States Navy’s logistical and non-combat support establishment.” The new exhibit is slated to open in October 2019.

Rear Admiral Jesse A. Wilson, Jr., Commanding Officer of Naval Surface Force Atlantic followed, and provided some remarks on the legacy of the Vietnam War, and noted that “the Navy performed a wide array of missions during the Vietnam War. Sailors were on the sea, along the rivers, coastal waters, in the air, on land in support of ongoing operations; no different than today.” Admiral Wilson noted that of the 77 ships assigned to SURFLANT, three are named after Vietnam War Medal of Honor Recipients, one is named after a Silver Star Recipient and another is named after battle.

Vietnam Era Veteran, Larry Weatherall, who served aboard PBR 105 assigned to River Patrol Section 531 took to the podium. Weatherall shed some light on the black berets worn by members of the River Patrol Force, their losses and continuing legacy today. Lastly, Captain Lee Duckworth, USN (Ret.) provided some brief remarks on his service during the Vietnam War. Duckworth noted that “with the possible exception of the US Civil War, no event in our history has demanded more soul searching than the war in Vietnam.”

Concluding the ceremony was a banner presentation ceremony facilitated by sailors assigned to Naval Support Activity-Hampton Roads. MA2 Shannon Ellis, assigned to JEB Little Creek-Fort Story’s security department, tolled a quarterdeck bell seven times, with an 8th silent toll to remember those who didn’t make it back. The banner was presented to Vietnam Veterans aboard the PBR, who unfurled and displayed the banner. After the ceremony, a plethora of sailors took the opportunity to climb the ladder and board the PBR boat to tour, speak with and ultimately thank the veterans for their service during the Vietnam War.

• Date Taken: 04.01.2019
• Date Posted: 04.01.2019 12:17
• Story ID: 316406
• Location: VIRGINIA BEACH, VA, US
• Hometown: NORFOLK, VA, US
• Hometown: VIRGINIA BEACH, VA, US