By John Osborne
Naples Daily-News
03/09/08

Two-thousand somber souls gathered at the foot of the Midpoint Memorial Bridge in Fort Myers on Sunday for the dedication of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial of Southwest Florida.

Eight years in the making, the memorial consists of a circular concrete pedestal flanked by three black granite walls. On the pedestal sits a metal sculpture of a pair of combat boots, behind which an upright rifle supports a helmet, symbolizing the men and women who lost their lives in Vietnam.

On the granite walls are etched the names of the 76 Southwest Florida servicemen who died in the war.

In all, 58,178 Americans died in Vietnam. The state of Florida was home to 1,952 of those casualties. The war ended in 1973 with the signing of the Paris Peace Accords.

More than 2.5 million troops served over the course of the war.

The mournful sounds of a single bagpiper playing “Amazing Grace” floated over the crowd before memorial fund committee chairman Craig Tonjes approached the podium on a beautiful, sun-soaked day. Speaking on behalf of Vietnam Veterans of America chapter 594, Tonjes didn’t mince words.

“Whether you supported the Vietnam War or not, you have to recognize that it was a seminal event in U.S. history,” Tonjes said to a thunderous round of applause.

“To tell the truth, we were about ready to give up on this memorial at this point last year, but we persevered, and that’s why we’re here today. I pray that this memorial will always stand as a tribute to those who served.

State Sen. Burt Saunders, Lee County Commissioner Ray Judah, Fort Myers Councilman Randy Henderson and Cape Coral Mayor Eric Feichthaler also took turns at the microphone Sunday.

“It’s an honor to be here today with all these true American heroes,” Saunders said, referring to the many veterans in attendance, and also noting that some 20,000 Vietnam vets committed suicide following the war due to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. “It’s important that we always do more to recognize the sacrifice of the men and women who served so bravely in Vietnam.”

Judah’s announcement that his son had enrolled in the U.S. Air Force Academy drew another loud chorus of cheers.

“As a product of the 1960s and ’70s, I’m proud to stand before you today and thank all the Vietnam veterans,” Judah said. “They heeded the call valiantly and courageously, and they put their country before themselves.”

Henderson became so choked up during his turn at the podium that he couldn’t speak for a moment.

“It’s hard to fight back the feelings of emotions over such a memorial,” he finally said, his voice cracking with emotion. “It’s hard not to feel the sentiment, but it’s amazing to see all the effort that came forth to make this happen.”

Feichthaler said he would have taken part in the first Gulf War if he hadn’t had to attend to his ailing father.

“It’s an honor and a duty to serve this great country,” he said. “We should always cherish the sacrifices made by Vietnam veterans, and it’s truly an honor to be a part of this day.”

Retired Col. Milan Zimmer, a highly decorated Air Force veteran, was the day’s keynote speaker.

“As I stand here today in front of the magnificent monument, the emotions and memories of Vietnam are flowing deeply,” he said. “It’s with great pride that I’m here today to help honor our fallen brothers-in-arms.”

Fort Myers veteran William Clark said the memorial is an important reminder of those who lost their lives in Vietnam.

“Every war exacts a big price on this country, and now that we have this memorial in Fort Myers, it will stand as a testament to all those who served,” he said.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial of Southwest Florida was constructed free of charge by more than 30 area contractors.


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