Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Author at Vietnam War Memorial

Vietnam War Memorial on the Oregon State Capitol Grounds to Become a Reality

For Immediate Release – June 12, 2024
Vietnam War Memorial Fund
Contact: Steve Bates, President
Email: [email protected]
Office: 503-663-6271

The Vietnam War Memorial Fund is pleased to announce the start of construction of Phase 1 of the Vietnam War Memorial on the Oregon State Capitol Grounds.

On June 3rd, Andersen Construction Company of Oregon mobilized to Willson Park within the Oregon State Capitol Parks. Andersen’s employees have been preparing the site for construction over the past two weeks. Willson Park will be partially closed from now until late October.

VWMF President, Steve Bates stated, “This is exciting! We have been working for this day for seven years and it is finally coming to a reality. Thanks to the generosity of many individuals and organizations such as the Siletz Tribal Charitable Contribution Fund and the Spirit Mountain Community Fund, we are close to fully funding Phase 1 construction.”

The Vietnam War Memorial Fund has raised in excess of 3 million dollars to date. The budget for Phase 1 is $3,639,929. Anticipated revenues bring the budget shortfall to $384,954. Steve Bates advised: “The Board of Directors decided to move forward with construction rather than wait as construction costs continue to soar. The budget shortfall is minimal in comparison to the overall cost. We have financing available to cover the budget shortfall, but we hope to raise the needed funds and avoid going into debt. We are asking everyone to consider making a donation. In either case Phase 1 is scheduled for completion in late October.”

Phase 1 of the memorial will include a series of columns that will contain 790 names of Oregonians who gave the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam. Each name will be listed by the community where they resided. A sculpture entitled “A Soldier’s Return” by Libby Carruth of Portland will also be part of Phase 1 in addition to a gathering space.

Donations can be made by credit card the VWMF website at https://ocvvm.com/

Checks can be mailed to Vietnam War Memorial Fund – P O Box 1448 – Boring, Oregon 97009

Vietnam War Memorial Fund History & Milestones for the Vietnam War Memorial on the Oregon State Capitol Grounds

This History is being shared to help our friends and donors understand the complexities of our experiences in pursuing a Vietnam War Memorial on the Oregon State Capitol Grounds.

When we started the project, we were confident that we would be finished within two years. Seven years later, we have evidence that proves that confidence was ill founded as we had no clue of what was to come.

Raising funds has also been a challenge. To date, we have raised over 2.78 million dollars with about $900,000 in additional anticipated revenue. The Phase 1 Budget is $3,639,929. Some of our anticipated funding is not guaranteed and may not materialize. As a result, we need your donation today to make sure Phase 1 is fully funded.

Please enjoy this History of our journey.

The Founding of the Vietnam War Memorial Fund

In 2015, the Committee on Memorials and Remembrance listed on its project list a Vietnam War Memorial on the Oregon State Capitol Grounds.

As other projects were moving towards completion, a letter was sent to a significant number of Legislators on July 25, 2017. This letter created enough interest to cause a meeting with Representative Paul Evans, the Chair of the House Committee on Veterans and Emergency Preparedness on August 15, 2017.

That afternoon, the Vietnam War Memorial Fund was founded.

IRS EIN was issued on August 15, 2017.
Vietnam War Memorial Fund was incorporated as an Oregon Non-Profit Corporation on August 24, 2017.
September 2, 2017, the Corporation Organizational Meeting was held.
Officers were elected: President Steve Bates, Secretary Jaycee Newman and Treasurer Steve Wiley
Application for IRS 501(c)3 status was submitted on September 11, 2017.
A Steering Committee was established and recruitment for members began.
The IRS issued a letter of 501(c)3 status dated January 10, 2018.

The VWMF Steering Committee

The first Steering Committee Meeting was held on January 12, 2018 at the State Capitol.
All subsequent Steering Committee Meetings were held at the Capitol Building so Legislators could attend.

The proposed location of the Vietnam War Memorial was the northeast corner of the State Capitol Park and twelve conceptual elements were established.

The Steering Committee met on the following dates in 2018 to review concepts and designs of the memorial elements: February 21, May 23, September 26, December 14.

A Landscape Architect, Mike Abbate of Abbate Designs LLC was engaged to start the process of Design Management of the Vietnam War Memorial on October 24, 2018.

At the December 14, 2018 meeting the Steering Committee established consensus on the concepts and design of twelve elements of the Vietnam War Memorial on the Oregon State Capitol Grounds. At this meeting, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department made a presentation suggesting that the southwest corner of the State Capital Park was a better fit for the Vietnam War Memorial. The Steering Committee voted to move the location to the southwest corner of the State Capital Park.

The Steering Committee met on January 30, 2019.
The Landscape Architect was assigned the task of presenting a Draft Memorial Design at the March 1, 2019 meeting.

Additional 2019 Steering Committee Meetings were held on April 4 and May 7.

On July 31, 2019, the Steering Committee convened and adopted the design for the Vietnam War Memorial on the Oregon State Capitol Grounds.

The Steering Committee met again on October 30, 2019 and January 22, 2020. This would be the last meeting of the Steering Committee as the Capitol Building was closed to the public because of COVID.

Application to the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department

The Vietnam War Memorial Fund filed a Memorial Installation Application with Oregon Parks and Recreation Department on September 6, 2019. This would prove to be a long and arduous process. The first response from OPRD was dated May 15, 2020 asking questions regarding the content of the application. There was a follow up communication dated June 24, 2020 asking additional questions. A third communication dated August 24, 2020 advised that the VWMF must make application with the City of Salem Landmarks Commission. This also required meeting with the Salem Neighborhood Association in which the site was located. The City of Salem Historic Landmarks Commission held a Hearing on November 19, 2020 and approved the design of the Vietnam War Memorial on the Oregon State Capitol Grounds on November 20, 2020.

During the OPRD application process, VWMF was required to make multiple presentations to the Oregon Capital Planning Commission and the City of Salem Planning Roundtable. The Oregon Capital Planning Commission voted unanimously to accept and approve the design. The City of Salem Planning Roundtable presentations were informational only.

OPRD also performed a public outreach program concerning the proposed memorial and its design. This included a temporary website and OPRD hosted a virtual open house with representatives of the VWMF in attendance to answer any and all questions.

On February 25, 2021, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Commission approved the application for the Vietnam War Memorial on the Oregon State Capitol Grounds with a vote of 6 to 3.

A Memorandum of Understanding between Oregon Parks and Recreation Department and the Vietnam War Memorial Fund was developed and signed on May 25, 2021. This agreement described the necessary tasks for both parties.

State Historic Preservation Office Requirements for Memorial Site

The VWMF was required to have sub surface testing of the memorial site for artifacts.
A Research Services Contract was executed between The University of Oregon Museum of Natural & Cultural History and VWMF on August 4, 2021. Application was made to the State Historic Preservation Office for an Archaeological Permit and it was granted on August 16, 2021.

University of Oregon Museum of Natural & Cultural History personnel conducted sub surface testing on September 16^th and 17^th. They found no significant artifacts and produced a report which was submitted to the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). SHPO received and processed the report without notation, making the site available for construction. However, during the earth work of construction, a certified observer must be engaged and on site to assure the lack of significant artifacts.

Legislative Activity for the establishment of a Vietnam War Memorial on the Oregon state Capitol Grounds and Requests for Funding

It was identified at the 2017 meeting with Representative Evans that a state law needed to be passed to set aside the property for a Vietnam War Memorial on the Oregon State Capitol Grounds.

House Bill 2195 was introduced in the 2019 Legislative session. A request for lottery dollars was also filed. HB2195 had two Hearings in front of the House Veterans Committee but died in the Ways & Means Committee and the funding request was ignored.

In the 2020 legislative session, Senate Bill 1542 was introduced by the Senate Veterans Committee. This bill was passed by the Senate and sent to the House. Speaker Kotek failed to assign the bill to the House Veterans Committee before the committee deadline. The House Veterans Committee had scheduled an informational meeting which could have been turned into a Hearing and Work Session.

Speaker Kotek assigned the bill to the House Rules Committee instead. The House Rules had a Hearing and Work Session on SB1542 and passed the bill to the House Floor with a Do Pass recommendation. Unfortunately, the next day the Republicans walked out and effectively shut down the rest of the legislative session. The bill died on the House Floor waiting for its second reading.

The 2021 legislative session saw SB 1542 re-introduced as Senate Bill 319. SB319 passed the Senate and was assigned to the House Rules Committee by Speaker Kotek. The Rules Committee Chair would not schedule a Hearing for the bill. The Capitol was closed to the public, so it was difficult to find out what problems existed.

It was discovered that Representative Khanh Pham had stated an objection to the bill. Steve Bates lobbied Representative Pham by email asking for her to identify her problem so it could be addressed. There was no response from the representative, so one additional email was sent with no response as well. But, it was reported that Representative Pham removed her objection to the bill and a Hearing for SB319 was scheduled about ten days later. The Rules Committee passed SB319 to the House Floor with a Do Pass recommendation. The House passed SB319 and the Governor signed it into law on July 14, 2021.

A request was filed with the Capital Construction Sub-Committee requesting $400,000 funding for the Vietnam War Memorial project. This request was passed by the Ways and Means Committee and was issued to the Vietnam War Memorial Fund in November of 2021.

In 2023, a request for additional funding was filed with the Capital Construction Sub-Committee. The amount requested was $1,850,000. The Capital Construction Sub-Committee and the Ways and Means Committee awarded an allocation of $1,000,000 which was received by the VWMF in November of 2023.

Finding a shortfall in the budget for Phase 1 Construction of the Memorial, an additional request for $400,000 was filed in 2024. With the help of many legislators, the Capital Construction Sub-Committee and the Ways and Means Committee awarded an allocation for that amount. These funds are anticipated in August or September, 2023 and will be used for construction costs of Phase 1.

Construction Document Development Process

During the 4^th Quarter of 2021, with all of the known permissions in place, the Board of Directors accepted the recommendation of Mike Abbate of Abbate Designs LLC to create a Construction Document Development Team. The team started meeting in the 1^st Quarter of 2022. In the CD development process, the City of Salem was asked for review of various issues and the CD Team was advised that a few issues needed attention.
On August 2, 2022, the City of Salem approved the Class 3 Site Plan Review, a Class 2 Adjustment and a Tree Regulation Variance for the Vietnam War Memorial on the Oregon State Capitol Grounds. Also, during this process, the original City of Salem Historic Design Review was due to expire. An extension request was made and approved by the City of Salem.

The Construction Documents were completed on December 5, 2022.

2022-2023 Steering Committee – Content/Exhibit Development

In 2022, the Steering Committee was reactivated. All members of the original Steering Committee were invited to participate and invitations were sent to many new steering committee candidates. The final roster boasted more than 50 members.

The 2022-2023 Steering Committee was charged with determining content for the interpretive exhibits of the memorial and developing an Interpretive/Exhibit Plan to be submitted to Oregon Parks and Recreation Department for approval. This committee met virtually by Zoom and the meetings were conducted by Sea Reach, Ltd, an exhibit contractor.

The Steering Committee meetings were scheduled for July, 22, 2022, August 19, 2022, September 16, 2022, October 21, 2022, December 30, 2022, February 3, 2023 and April 21, 2023.

The content that was developed as a result of these meetings was reviewed by an historian firm, Historical Research Associates, Inc. (This firm was also used to verify the names to be listed on the memorial columns.) Editing occurred as a result of this review.

The draft Interpretive/Exhibit Plan was finalized and VanNatta Public Relations was engaged to establish an outreach process for public review of the draft plan.

Working with some members of the Steering Committee and Sea Reach, Ltd., VanNatta Public Relations completed a temporary website that described the Interpretive Exhibit Plan. The temporary website was available from May 15^th to June 10^th for the public to review and comment.

There were media releases that led to several radio interviews and newspaper articles concerning the content review. Also, social media posts were made.

Following the Public Review period, the Interpretive/Exhibit Plan was finalized by Sea Reach, Ltd. and submitted to the VWMF Board of Directors. The Board of Directors approved the plan and authorized the President to submit it to Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. The Plan was submitted to OPRD on September 6, 2023.

On April 1, 2024, OPRD advised that they could not approve the plan. As of this writing, negotiations are in process to develop resolution to the issues that caused the rejection of the plan. This rejection will not delay the construction of Phase 1 of the Memorial. However, it does affect Phase 2.

VWMF Board of Directors vote to Phase Construction in 2023

Because of the many delays in receiving the necessary permissions, the cost of the Vietnam War Memorial on the Oregon State Capital Grounds grew from the original estimate of 1.5 million dollars to over 5 million dollars in 5 years. The Board of Directors determined that waiting for full funding would probably doom the project altogether as construction costs have continued to skyrocket. At its May 10, 2023 meeting, the Board voted unanimously to split the construction of the Memorial into two phases; The Memorial Column Wall for Phase 1 and Exhibits as Phase 2.

Contractor Selection

A Contractor Selection Committee was established by the VWMF President and the Board of Directors in the 4^th quarter of 2022. That committee started to research specialty construction firms that could build the memorial. After several interviews in the 1^st quarter of 2023, a recommendation of the finalist was made to the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors authorized the Committee to negotiate with the finalist and develop a possible timeline of services and commitments for assistance in fundraising for the project. At its May 10, 2023 Board Meeting, Andersen Construction Company of Oregon was awarded a Pre-Construction Contract with an option to make a final proposal for construction.

Phase 1 Construction

On March 29, 2024, a ceremonial groundbreaking ceremony was held at the memorial site. On the 50^th anniversary of the first Vietnam War Veterans Day, almost 200 people cheered the breaking of the ground.

At the time of this writing, the Building Permit is in process. The Board of Directors authorized a Phase 1 construction contract with Andersen Construction Company of Oregon at its March 27, 2024 meeting. Andersen is currently finalizing its plans for mobilizing to the site for construction.

Construction of Phase 1 is anticipated to start in June or July, 2024.

Fundraising

Since our first day of existence, fundraising has been our primary goal. With the help of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Oregon and the Vietnam Veterans of America Oregon State Council, we were able to establish significant fund balances in 2018 and 2019. The Board of Directors appointed a fundraising consultant in 2019. Unfortunately, he ran us out of money and quit in March of 2021. A Capital Campaign Commission was organized in 2021. The Commission established a business plan for the Fund and was responsible for the Vietnam War Memorial Fund Gala & Fundraiser in Hillsboro on May 7, 2022 when Retired General James Mattis was the keynote speaker. On October 24, 2023 a successful fundraiser featuring Retired Major General Raymond Rees was held at the Brothers Car Museum in Salem, Oregon. Every contribution is important! A contribution today will ensure that Phase 1 construction is fully funded. Funds remaining after Phase 1 completion will be used for research and activities preparing the way for Phase 2.

The Vietnam War Memorial on the Oregon State Capitol Grounds is a Mixture of Art, Nature and Tradition

By: Steve Bates

The design of the Vietnam War Memorial on the Oregon State Grounds is more than a traditional memorial. While the memorial is meant to honor all Vietnam veterans and all who served in the United States Military from 1955-1975, it includes symbolism and visual art.

Because of skyrocketing construction costs, the memorial was divided into two phases. Rather than waiting for full funding, it was determined that a portion of the memorial should be constructed in 2024. Phase 1 is close to becoming a reality. The construction documents are completed and the building permit process has been started. On March 29, 2024, the 50^th Vietnam Veterans Day, a ground breaking ceremony took place.

The location of the memorial will be to the south of the World War II Memorial in Willson Park of the Oregon State Capitol Park. The southwest corner of Willson Park is located near the junction of State and Cottage streets. This area includes many mature trees and plantings. All of the existing trees are included in the design of the memorial to embrace nature as a means to create a memorial that will be inviting and a place of reflection.

Phase 1 includes the following features and elements:

A column wall of 46 Pennsylvania black granite columns
A tribute to all military branches that served in Vietnam
A “Welcome Home” Exhibit
A list of almost 800 names of Oregonians who died in Vietnam
A tribute to those who came home and suffered because of their service
A sculpture entitled “A Soldier’s Return” by Libby Carruth
A gathering area
A donor recognition exhibit

Unlike the adjacent World War II Memorial, the Vietnam War Memorial will have a column wall. The World War II Memorial has a solid L shaped wall. This symbolizes the solid support of the citizenry for the war effort. The Vietnam War Memorial will have a series of columns to make the L shaped memorial wall; not a solid wall, but a broken wall. This symbolizes the division of the war effort support and the fractured society that resulted.

One of the columns will bear the engraved emblems of the Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard; the five military branches that were engaged in the Vietnam War.

At each entrance, there will be a “Welcome Home” column. The engraved exhibit will detail the lack of respect that the Vietnam veterans received when they came home and explain why Vietnam veterans developed this greeting to honor one another.

The memorial columns will list the Oregonians who gave the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam.
The names will include the military rank title of these heroes. The names will be listed by community/home of record for ease of location. There will be special designations for those Missing in Action and Medal of Honor recipients.

Another column is set aside to honor those who came home and suffered from their physical and invisible wounds that resulted from their service in addition to those who suffered from the effects of chemical exposures.

The sculpture by Libby Carruth of Portland depicts a returning soldier that is apparently saluting the flag, but, his face shows a confused look and his hand is gripping his shirt demonstrating the frustration of the returning Vietnam soldier who was ridiculed for serving his country with dignity and honor.

The gathering area with bench seating will allow various types of events to take place at the memorial.

Finally, a donor recognition exhibit will bear the names of those who donated $5,000 or more to help finance the project.

This Vietnam Veterans Memorial will be unlike any other. It will be a place of reflection where art, nature and tradition are intertwined.

Additional funding is needed to complete this memorial.

Contributions can be made by credit card at: www.ocvvm.com

Or, by sending a check to:
Vietnam War Memorial Fund
P O Box 1448
Boring, Oregon 97009

About the author: Steve Bates has resided in Boring for 47 years and is a Life Member of the Associates of Vietnam Veterans of America and an Honorary Life Member of the Vietnam Veterans of America. He serves as Chair of the Committee on Memorials and Remembrance and President of the Vietnam War Memorial Fund. He can be reached at: [email protected]

“Welcome Home” Vietnam Veterans; A greeting they developed for themselves

By Steve Bates

March 29^th of every year is now set aside as Vietnam Veterans Day by Presidential Proclamation in 2012 and by Congressional action in 2017. In Oregon, by state law, March 30^th is Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day.

The first Vietnam Veterans Day was deemed to be March 29^th 50 years ago by President Richard Nixon. It celebrated the first year anniversary of the United States Military withdrawal from Vietnam in accordance with the January, 1973 Paris Peace Accords. March 29, 1973 was the day the last combat troops left Vietnam.

The first Vietnam Veterans Day in 1974 was ignored by most. There was no pomp or circumstance. Most Vietnam veterans themselves were still confused about their treatment upon their return from serving their country with dignity and honor.

I have been in several meetings over the years where Vietnam veterans shared their experiences.

One Vietnam Veteran stated that he and others wanted to be invisible upon their return to avoid strife and confrontations. Many would not admit they served in the military let alone in Vietnam.

No one told them thank you. No one acknowledged their service. Another said, we were abandoned by the generals, we were abandoned by the politicians and we were abandoned by the public.

In another venue, a Vietnam veteran said he was called a baby killer. Another said he was attacked in the San Francisco airport because he wore his Air Force uniform which was a requirement for free airline passage home.

Others talked about the verbal abuse they received from family members, World War II and Korean War veterans.

The natural response was to be invisible and keep their service to themselves.

As time passed, the Vietnam veterans learned to identify each other. They started greeting themselves with “Welcome Home”.

It is important that we embrace that greeting for our Vietnam veterans. It is a way of acknowledging their service and the poor treatment they received for doing their duty in an unpopular war. It is shameful that we did not actively and collectively recognize our Vietnam veterans appropriately until the start of the 21^st century, about 25 years after the end of the war.

The Vietnam War Memorial on the Oregon State Capitol Grounds will be one of the few Vietnam memorials in the country to have this greeting engraved in granite. This will be Oregon’s monument to the heroes who gave their all in Vietnam and all who made it home in their military uniforms.

In addition, the Vietnam memorial will include a sculpture of a returning Vietnam veteran by Libby Carruth, a Portland based artist. This sculpture captures the frustration of the soldier who did his job and came home to an ungrateful nation.

You can see the plans for the memorial on the website at: www.ocvvm.com

You can help us say “Welcome Home” with a contribution to the Vietnam War Memorial on the Oregon State Capitol Grounds.

Contributions can be made by credit card on the website or by sending a check to:

Vietnam War Memorial Fund – P O Box 1448 – Boring, Oregon 97009

About the author:

Steve Bates has resided in Boring for 47 years and is a Life Member of the Associates of Vietnam Veterans of America and an Honorary Life Member of the Vietnam Veterans of America. He serves as Chair of the Committee on Memorials and Remembrance and President of the Vietnam War Memorial Fund. He can be reached at: [email protected]

Vietnam Veterans of America Portland Chapter donates $100,000 to the Vietnam War Memorial on the Oregon State Capitol Grounds

At its regular scheduled monthly meeting, the Vietnam Veterans of America Portland Chapter presented a check to Steve Bates, President of Vietnam War Memorial Fund in the amount of $100,000.

VVA Chapter President Steve Carr stated: “This gift was made possible by a benefactor who bequeathed their estate to our organization. We are pleased to donate this $100,000 to help honor our Vietnam Veteran brothers and sisters with the construction of the Vietnam War Memorial on the Oregon State Capitol Grounds.”

Vietnam War Memorial Fund President, Steve Bates stated: “We are so grateful for this donation. As we are working to alleviate a budget deficit for the construction of Phase 1 of the memorial, this donation will help immensely. However, we still have an anticipated shortfall of about $400,000.”

Because of skyrocketing construction costs, the memorial was divided into two phases. Rather than waiting for full funding, it was determined that a portion of the memorial should be constructed in 2024. Phase 1 is close to becoming a reality. The construction documents are completed and the building permit process will be starting shortly. It is planned that on March 29, 2024, the 50^th Vietnam Veterans Day, a ground breaking ceremony will take place.

Following is a description of the elements which are included in Phase 1 of the memorial:

One of the columns will bear the engraved emblems of the Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard; the five military branches that were engaged in the Vietnam War.

The memorial columns will list the Oregonians who gave the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam. The names will include the military rank title of these heroes. The names will be listed by community/home of record for ease of location. There will be special designations for those Missing in Action and Medal of Honor recipients.

The gathering area with bench seating will allow various types of events to take place at the memorial.

Finally, a donor recognition exhibit will bear the names of those who had cumulative donations of $5,000 or more to help finance the project.

This Vietnam Veterans Memorial will be unlike any other. It will be a place of reflection where art, nature and tradition are intertwined.

Additional funding is needed to complete this memorial.

Contributions can be made by credit card at: www.ocvvm.com

Or, by sending a check to:

Vietnam War Memorial Fund – P O Box 1448 – Boring, Oregon 97009

The Legacy of Our Vietnam Veterans Must Be Preserved

By Steve Bates

Everybody has a legacy. Some legacies are greater than others. For example, each United States President has a legacy. Historians have identified those with the greatest legacies such as Presidents George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy.

The Vietnam veterans also have a legacy. This includes serving their country with honor and integrity in an unpopular war; coming home to an ungrateful nation; experiencing lack of respect from the World War II and Korean War Veterans; being ignored by the government when unusual illnesses were identified.

Their legacy is also one of accomplishments. Vietnam veterans gathered and formed an organization to confront a government that failed to honor their service with appropriate medical attention and assistance. The Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) was formed with the mission to make sure that no other generation of veterans will abandon another. The VVA joined with the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars in pursuing legislation over the years that ensures our nation’s warriors receive the medical care and assistance they deserve.

Because of Vietnam veterans, our nation now honors and respects our military members more than ever. That is one of the greatest tenets of the legacy of our Vietnam veterans.

The youngest of Vietnam veterans are now 67. The oldest are over 100. Their average age is now 78. In 2019, it was estimated that as many as 8 Oregon Vietnam veterans were passing each day. In 2022, based upon the US Census Bureau’s 5 year estimate, it was determined that there were 105,565 Vietnam Combat and Vietnam Era veterans in Oregon. Over 180,000 Oregonians served during the Vietnam War. This means that over 40 percent of our Oregon Vietnam veterans are gone now.

It is important that we work quickly and with urgency to recognize the legacy of our Vietnam veterans, so that those who are still with us will know their collective legacy is revered and honored.

The legacy of these veterans must be preserved. How do we do that?

In our culture, memorials are erected to honor legacies. Building a Vietnam War Memorial on the Oregon State Capitol Grounds will preserve and honor the legacy of our Vietnam veterans for generations to come.

The plans are in place and all the necessary permissions have been granted for this memorial.
You can see the plans on the memorial website: www.ocvvm.com

Construction is tentatively scheduled for 2024 provided funding for Phase 1 is secured. We are close, and you can help us reach our goal by making a contribution today. You can donate by credit card on the website, or, send a check to Vietnam War Memorial Fund – P O Box 1448 – Boring, Oregon 97009.

It is understood that there is an urgency to preserving the legacy of our Vietnam veterans. Completing Phase 1 of the memorial in 2024 will help address that urgency. Will you help us?

Contributions can be made by credit card on the website or by sending a check to:

Vietnam War Memorial Fund
P O Box 1448
Boring, Oregon 97009

About the author:

Steve Bates has resided in Boring for 46 years and is a Life Member of the Associates of Vietnam Veterans of America and an Honorary Life Member of the Vietnam Veterans of America. He serves as Chair of the Committee on Memorials and Remembrance and President of the Vietnam War Memorial Fund. He can be reached at: [email protected]

Christmas 1968 – 55 Years Later, We Still Owe Our Vietnam Veterans a Debt of Gratitude

By: Steve Bates

Christmas time in 1968 was very similar to this Christmas season. Except, every day on the 6 o’clock news, we saw images of the Vietnam War on our televisions. To our Vietnam Veterans, those images were reality. We called for pizza delivery and they called for medics. We learned of life, they learned of death. We served dinner, they served their country. Our passion was success, theirs was survival. It appears we have forgotten about the Vietnam War. They haven’t!

When the Vietnam Veterans came home, they were treated poorly. Instead of receiving our thanks and celebration of their service, they were confronted with hateful words. Many were physically attacked and others were spit upon. This was not America’s finest hour.

We must make amends for that time. We must revere our Vietnam Veterans. We owe them a debt of gratitude for their service and sacrifice.

1968 was the year of the most US military casualties in Vietnam. Over 58,000 Americans died in the Vietnam War from 1955 to 1975. Almost 800 of them were Oregonians. They deserve our remembrance for their sacrifice. Millions served during the Vietnam War era. They deserve our honor. That is what memorials do. They honor our warriors and remember the fallen.

Washington State placed a Vietnam War Memorial on their capitol grounds in the 1980’s.

California constructed a Vietnam War Memorial on their capitol grounds in the 1990’s.

With help from people like you, Oregon will have a Vietnam War Memorial on its capitol grounds in 2024.

Since 2017 a group of Oregon residents have been working to honor Oregon’s Vietnam Veterans with a Vietnam War Memorial on the Capitol Grounds. This memorial will be to the south of the World War II memorial. These two memorials together will remember about 75% of Oregon’s war dead. Many are not aware that the Vietnam War is second only to World War II for Oregon war casualties.

All of the permissions are in place for the Oregon Vietnam Veterans War Memorial at the Oregon Capitol. A ground breaking ceremony is being planned for the 50th Vietnam Veterans Day on March 29, 2024. Construction of Phase 1 of the memorial is tentatively scheduled to start on May 1, 2024.

The dates are tentative due to a budget shortfall. The Vietnam War Memorial Fund has started a campaign to raise the needed $435,000 to cover the Phase 1 budget deficit. Your help is needed. For more information, go to www.ocvvm.com

Help us demonstrate to our Vietnam Veterans our debt of gratitude. Help us honor them with this memorial. Please contribute to the Bring It Home campaign to fund Phase 1 construction.

Contributions can be made by credit card on the website or by sending a check to:

Vietnam War Memorial Fund

P O Box 1448

Boring, Oregon 97009

About the author:

What You Get When You Donate to the Vietnam Memorial

We firmly believe the brave men and women who served their country in the Vietnam War deserve to be recognized for their sacrifices. That’s the foundational drive behind our mission to establish a Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Oregon State Capitol grounds.

With donations now reaching over $3.2 million dollars it’s clear that thousands of fellow Oregonians support the mission. In showing our deep-seated appreciation for these contributions, we’re committed to recognizing all donors at every level of giving.

Joining the Club

Everyone who donates to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial will become a lifetime member of the Welcome Home Club. This prestigious admission permanently recognizes your donation on our site. Upon completion of the memorial, members will receive an official certificate reflecting their total contributions to the project. Donors who give over $5,000 will have their names prominently displayed on a donor recognition exhibit at the memorial site. Here are the giving tiers:

● Medallion Level – $1 to $999

● Bronze Level – $1,000 to $4,999

● Silver Level – $5,000 to $9,999

● Gold Level – $10,000 to $24,999

● Remembrance Circle – $25,000 to $99,999

● Gratitude Circle – $100,000 to $249,999

● Honor Circle – $250,000 and above

How much will the memorial cost?

We’re projecting the memorial to cost over $5.5 million. In 2023, the Board of Directors divided the construction of the memorial into two phases. Phase 1 is anticipated to cost about $3.6 million. With donations and anticipated revenue exceeding $3.2 million, there is a deficit of $435,000 to overcome to start construction in May 2024.

How much do you need to give?

There are no minimums or limits on giving. You can donate as much or as little as you want. Plus, you can make multiple donations over time. There are no processing fees or other hidden costs to donating. Don’t be afraid to donate even as little as a dollar. Every single donation helps us move closer to honoring our veterans.

Where are my donations going?

100% of the donations we receive go toward making the Vietnam Memorial a reality. That could include lobbying, marketing, planning, designing, and more. We don’t take a single dollar for granted which is why we’re committed to using every donation proactively and effectively. You can join our newsletter to stay updated on the latest developments in the memorial’s development.

What if I can’t donate money but still want to support?

No problem! We’re more than happy to receive other forms of support either through donating your time, spreading the word, or sponsorship through an organization or business.

What payment methods do you offer?

Donating to our Vietnam Veterans Memorial fund is quick, easy, and convenient. Through our donation page, you can submit any amount by credit or debit card, PayPal, or bank transfer. We even have partnerships through Fred Meyer Community Rewards and Oregon BottleDrop for automated donations.

Why you should consider donating.

Veterans benefit from the recognition.

There’s a common misconception that memorials are only about remembrance. While that’s a crucial part of their purpose, memorials have a tangible impact too. They give veterans and family members a place to mourn their lost loved ones and friends. These places of recognition also give all soldiers a feeling of acceptance that can help them heal upon return.

It’s a powerful way to say “thank you”.

The struggles faced by veterans didn’t stop when they returned home. The controversy surrounding the war turned the public against service members who never received the gratitude they deserved. Donating to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial is a powerful display of appreciation that will have a positive impact on thousands of surviving veterans.

Further Reading: Ways to Honor Those Who Served in Vietnam

Your donation keeps on giving.

Every donation to the memorial has positive ripple effects that will reach countless people for decades. From educating future generations and keeping the memory of the deceased alive to offering a permanent display of gratitude and beyond, the positive impacts of all donations are virtually limitless.

Have any questions? Feel free to contact us. We’d be more than happy to talk with you!

VIETNAM NAVY SERVICE 1965-1970

By Mike E. Walsh

I returned to Oregon with a Combat Action Medal and a bruised psyche!

The Vietnam War was a big part of my youth, I was in my early twenties (1965-70). I had no plans to enter the military, and after graduating from Western Oregon University in 1965, I headed directly to a Peace Corps program at Teachers College, Columbia University, NY. However, instead of completing Peace Corps training for an assignment in Kenya: I was drafted to serve in the Army. I chose to enter the Navy, so I wouldn’t end up in the Vietnam War. Boy, was I wrong! I ended up serving aboard two destroyers Walke (DD723) and Rupertus (DD851); destroyers are the Navy’s go to offensive fire power for shore bombardment as well as aircraft carrier support.

The defining experience of my Navy service was off the coast of North Vietnam; on Saturday, July 29, 1967 the carrier Forrestal (CV59) was set ablaze when a rocket misfired on deck, shrapnel rupturing a fuel canister under, late senator, John McCain’s A-4 plane. He survived and a few months later was shot down over North Vietnam; he spent years as prisoner of war. My ship pulled alongside the Forrestal’s portside and sprayed water – saving many. However, 134 sailors died by fire, explosion, smoke or jumped overboard into the Gulf of Tonkin 150 miles northeast of the DMZ. I watched in horror as sailors jumped into the sea, and several planes were shoved overboard, too! I had just turned 24.

I’m pictured on Rupertus’ upper deck on watch, 10 minutes prior to the first explosion; it sent a black mushroom smoke cloud high above the Forrestal’s flight deck. We were following about 200 yards behind, and quickly advanced to the portside of the carrier as explosions continued spewing shrapnel in our direction; I took this iconic photo as we approached.

When not on carrier support Rupertus participated in “Sea Dragon” operations directed toward the interdiction of coastal water-born logistics craft, and highway traffic, moving supplies south in support of Viet Cong, (North Vietnamese troops) fighting in South Vietnam. It was during these operations that the Rupertus earned a reputation for possessing an unusually high magnetism for enemy fire. In four consecutive days in late 1968, off the coast of North Vietnam, near Dong Hoi and Tiger Island, we received over 400 rounds of hostile fire from coastal defense batteries. Each occasion on which the ship received hostile fire from the beach bunkers, our own guns, with five- inch shells, responded with telling effect on the shore batteries. Although vulnerable, as the ship approached within fifty yards off shore, we didn’t receive a direct hit, and had only minor damage from shrapnel. However, I found it very scary watching explosions only 20 feet off the starboard and port bow; I stood almost speechless, on the bridge, as phone talker, relaying the captain’s messages to fire our guns.

All of our missions off North or South Vietnam were just another day on the “Gunline.” In mid-1969 we spent days and nights patrolling off Phen Thiet village, 70 miles east of Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City). One afternoon, the Rupertus guns, with five-inch shells, destroyed or damaged 20 Viet Cong bunkers, seven military structures as well as secondary firing near Phen Thiet village. At midnight Rupertus peppered five-inch shells along the village’s perimeter to hold off possible Viet Cong infiltration attempts. Then at 4am Rupertus received an urgent call from our forces ashore; they requested fire support to suppress a Viet Cong rocket attack on the village. In reply, the Rupertus closed within 50 yards of the beach, and opened fire on the rocket sites. Minutes later it was all over; empty powder canister casings rattled on the forward deck as the ship rolled softly on the placid morning sea.

1969 was my last year in the Navy, and after hundreds of firing missions over nearly four years, I had come to the conclusion that the Vietnam War was a big mistake. So many young sailors and soldiers killed, not to mention the death toll of innocent civilians in both North and South Vietnam. I was beginning to question the USA’s role as the world’s police. I had answered the call to serve my country, even though I already had deep reservations when I first arrived off the shores of Vietnam.

In 2012 I made a final pilgrimage to Vietnam and found a youthful thriving culture with little left to remind me of the devastating war. I visited Ho Chi Minh City as well as the Cu Chi Tunnels – 125 mile-long-underground mazes, where thousands of Viet Cong fighters and villagers hid and fought; these locals refer to the war as the “American War.” It was a cathartic experience visiting the Ho Chi Minh City, War Remnants Museum; graphic images of civilian deaths: bodies slashed, piled high, burned – it broke my heart. My experiences in the Vietnam War turned me toward pacifism, I only support war as a last resort.

Free Tickets to All Veterans to the 19th Annual Veterans Day Concerts

The Willamette Master Chorus, for the 1st time in its 39 year history, is offering free tickets to all veterans (current and formerly active military personnel), Gold Star Parents and Spouses to their 19th Annual Veterans Day Concerts, November 11th & 12th at Smith Auditorium. Thanks to generous sponsors, the John Lorenz Veterans Concert Fund will make this free annually.

The Willamette Master Chorus is offering free concert tickets to all current and former service members, Gold Star Parents and Spouses for their Annual Veterans concert November 11 & 12, 2023. This year marks our 19th annual Veterans Concert. The event will take place at Smith Auditorium on the Willamette University campus at 3:00 pm each day with open seating. This free ticket benefit will be reoccurring each year on or near Veterans’ Day as the Chorus continues to celebrate and honor Veterans. This year’s concert will have a Viet Nam era theme with music of the 70s and 80s and will feature Portland’s jazz/pop/rock singer Marilyn Keller. She will be sharing the stage with the 85 member Chorus under the direction of Dr. Paul Klemme.

Veterans and non veterans please join us and spread the word as we reach out to all Military service members of our community. A Non veteran ticket is $27. Visit the Willamette Master Chorus website at www.willamettemasterchorus.org to reserve your ticket or contact Christine Whiteside at (503) 580-0406. Online reservations have a $5 service fee.

There will be a veteran’s information booth staffed by the Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs in the lobby for those seeking information about benefits. Please join us on either day.