Vietnam Vets Honored: ‘Always Remember’ Call at Memorial

Vietnam Veterans Honored at Solemn DC Ceremony

Washington D.C. – A somber remembrance ceremony for Vietnam veterans took place recently at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, honoring the courage and sacrifice of those who served. Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Doug Collins, and Secretary Pete Hegseth were among the speakers, emphasizing the importance of not only remembering the past but also actively honoring the veterans’ experiences and ensuring their needs are met today.

‘Never Forget’ Evolves to ‘Always Remember’

Secretary Hegseth began his address by highlighting the sacred ground of the memorial, symbolized by the POW/MIA flag that declares, “You are not forgotten.” He stressed that the nation has not forgotten its Vietnam veterans, sharing his personal experience visiting Vietnam and his commitment to bringing every American soul home from conflicts. Hegseth urged a deeper commitment beyond simply “never forget.” He proposed a shift to “always remember,” which he described as a more active sentiment. This means remembering what the veterans gave, the courage they displayed, and the context of their service during the Cold War. He pointed out that the 58,000 names on the wall represent a vast majority of volunteers from all walks of life, fighting for each other.

“Yes, we will never forget, but more importantly, we will always remember. We will always remember what they gave, the courage they showed.”

Hegseth acknowledged that politics complicated the war, but the warriors’ mission on the battlefield remained clear. He shared a powerful personal anecdote about a Vietnam veteran, Ron Lassuda, a Purple Heart recipient and family friend, who had internalized his experiences and only recently began speaking about them. Lassuda, despite his own pain and rejection, welcomed Hegseth and other younger veterans home, demonstrating how the Vietnam generation channeled their suffering into supporting future service members.

Vietnam Generation’s Impact on Veterans Affairs

Secretary Collins spoke about his own first encounter with the Vietnam Veterans Memorial nearly 38 years ago. He described the profound experience of walking the wall at night, feeling the presence of those honored and seeing the heartfelt tributes left at its base – letters, flowers, and personal mementos. Collins recalled watching the war on television as a child and understanding the pain associated with the scrolling names and distant conflicts.

Collins emphasized the transformative impact of the Vietnam generation on the Department of Veterans Affairs. He noted that these veterans returned to a nation that often failed to provide adequate care. Instead of succumbing to bitterness, they actively worked to improve the system. “They stood up and said, ‘Never. They stood up and said, ‘Not again.’ They stood up and helped shape us into the VA we are today,” Collins stated. He credited the Vietnam generation with the establishment of Vet Centers, which provide accessible support to veterans, and for pushing for better treatment in VA hospitals and improvements to benefits.

“The warriors of this country are the ones who support everything that we get to do. From the press to the protesters, from the good to the bad, it is those who raise their right hand and say, ‘I will go because others have went before me.'”

Looking Forward: Honoring Service and Sacrifice

Both speakers underscored the importance of looking forward while honoring the past. Collins stated, “We will look forward. We will take what this generation gave to us.” He pledged that the VA would always prioritize veterans, recognizing that failing to do so would mean the country fails itself. The ceremony served as a reminder that the words “service” and “sacrifice” carry profound meaning, especially for those who served when it was unpopular.

The speakers concluded by expressing gratitude to the Vietnam generation for their resilience and for turning their pain into positive action for future generations. They reaffirmed the commitment to treat service members as they deserve to be treated, with “Veterans First” as the guiding principle. The message was clear: while the nation will always remember, it must also actively work to support and honor its veterans, ensuring that the sacrifices of the past pave the way for a better future.

Source: Sec. Hegseth, VA Sec. Collins speak at Vietnam veterans memorial ceremony (YouTube)