Started in 2012–the program will run for 13 years, culminating in 2025–the Vietnam War Commemoration honors and gives thanks to all Vietnam Veterans. “My comment is, ‘It was an honor to serve.’ I think that’s the reason I wanted to go back. “People say ‘Thank you for your service,’” Barnum said. Barnum built over a dozen fire bases while serving as a battery commander during Operation Dewey Canyon. They eventually broke contact with the enemy and joined up with the remainder of the battalion.Īfter receiving the Medal of Honor in 1967, Barnum requested to go back to Vietnam, returning in 1968.
He then led the unit throughout intense battle. Calling in artillery fire, Barnum raced out to recover the dying commander and radio. The enemy ambushed the entire battalion, killing the company commander and radio operator.īarnum said he assumed command of Hotel Company, who “didn’t even know my name,” having served with them five days. His company provided rear security for the battalion movement out of the mountains. Within days of his arrival, he was on an operation coming out of the mountains near Ky Phu. It makes you realize the sacrifices our young warriors made in Vietnam.” Serving in Vietnamīarnum arrived in Vietnam in December 1965, serving with 2d Battalion, 9 th Marines. “I like the logical order of people who are listed on the wall by the order that they gave their life in support of this great country. “I think the beauty of the wall is its simplicity,” he said. Despite those times, Barnum said visiting the memorial is important to pay tribute to fallen comrades. The hardest times are on a beautiful day, when he sees his reflection over the name of a fallen service member. “A heavy load is easier to carry if you split it up,” he said.īarnum said he visits the wall frequently and experiences a wide range of emotions. “It helped,” he said, adding that talking about service is easier than holding onto grief. He talked to them for about two hours about his service, which opened up some long-suppressed feelings. As he walked to the wall, a group of a dozen college kids heading north to go skiing recognized Barnum. trip enroute back from a banquet in Washington, D.C. He said his first visit was on a snowy, 2:30 a.m. and traveling walls across the country.īarnum encourages Vietnam Veterans to visit these memorials. March 29 Wall eventsĪcross the country, various organizations host events, including at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. “Maybe people will say, ‘You know what, these guys did a good job and I ought to thank them,’” he said. He said listening can help people understand Veterans and how they overcame fear, demonstrated courage and showed both service and sacrifice by serving the country in harm’s way. “Stop talking and listen to some of these guys when they start to talk, and hear what they’re saying,” he said. It will show a little bit of unity and, who knows, you may bump into buddies you haven’t seen in 50 years.” Public involvementįor the public, Barnum said the day is an opportunity to ask questions and listen. So, as a sign that their lives were not lost in vain, show up and go arm-and-arm for those who are not going to be able to be there. “By going there, you may feel good about it, but you’re also going to be representing the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coasties that can’t go because they paid the ultimate sacrifice. “If you see events are going to be staged and conducted and you’re within a reasonable amount of travel time, you ought to go,” he said. He added that attending and participating in these events are a chance to honor fallen brothers and sisters.
For that, he said Vietnam Veterans deserve a thank you and a handshake. knew it, including the Berlin Wall in 1991. “I think it’s a chance for Vietnam Vets to pause and reflect on who they are, what they did, what they accomplished, and to think about the guys who fought on their left and their right,” he said.īarnum said while Vietnam was an unpopular war at the time, American efforts led to the fall of communism as the U.S. Medal of Honor recipient and Marine Veteran Barney Barnum.
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