Mystery of Vietnam War Monument in Chadds Ford Solved

By

Photos courtesy of Patrick J. Hughes.

The mystery of Delaware County’s oldest Vietnam War monument, discovered four years ago behind some brush in an unused bank parking lot in Chadds Ford, has been solved.

The monument, a cannon on a stone base, was rededicated on Saturday at the Brandywine Mills Shopping Center in Chadds Ford. And it was Bill Gafford – the master of ceremonies and president of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 67 of Delaware County – who provided some clarity to its history.

pjh_1000

Gafford’s research efforts uncovered an article in the Daily Times about the monument’s original dedication on Veterans Day on Nov. 11, 1966. That was just two years after the Gulf of Tonkin resolution committed American fighting forces to Vietnam, and two years before the Tet Offensive of 1968.

The report stated: “While war raged on thousands of miles away, Delaware County and the rest of the nation took one day to honor veterans of all battles.

“Residents throughout the county visited parks and memorials to attend Veterans Day ceremonies and services conducted by veterans groups and municipalities.

“One such ceremony at Brandywine Summit featured the unveiling of a plaque dedicated to all Delaware County servicemen who have been or are now in Vietnam.

“The plaque, located at the mall of the Delaware County National Bank, was unveiled by Mrs. Clifford Dunn, Springfield, mother of Army Capt. William Carpenter.”

asfdf

Sen. Clarence D. Bell of Upland spoke that day, noting that there were approximately 2,000 men from Delco in Vietnam at the time.

Also quoted in the article was John Birk, the county’s Director of Veterans Affairs.

“They (veterans) are of just about every creed, and just about every race,” he said. “They are represented in every walk of life.

“Though they are different in many ways, they are the same in this: They’ve been brought up believing in a fair shake for others. They’re touchy about their own independence, don’t like being pushed around or seeing it happen to others.

“They have built-in rheostats that go into instant action when they sense outrageous aggression and violence.

“They’re Americans. And they have died – nobly and with a soldier’s courage – for their beliefs.”

Click here to read VISTA Today’s previous coverage of the Vietnam War monument.

Connect With Your Community

Subscribe to stay informed!

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Advertisement
Creative Capital logo