As a part of their 50th anniversary events in rememberance of the Vietnam War, Kansas State held a Memorial Day ceremony on campus honoring the 42 soldiers, airmen and marines who died in Vietnam after attending the university.
A crowd much larger than anticipated by organizers arrived Monday to honor those who lost their lives in the war. Among attendees were dozens of motorcycle riders escorted to the Vietnam War Memorial on campus by police where the ceremony was held. One rider came from as far up as Oregon to attend the ceremony, and many more from around the state. Local veterans and community members gathered alongside K-State officials and South Vietnamese veterans to pay tribute to not only the 42 K-State associates who died, but to all who’ve paid the ultimate sacrifice. Two sets of colors were escorted to the memorial for the ceremony; one by the 1st Infantry Division, and another by Vietnamese veterans.
A couple veterans gave their remarks during the ceremony and read off the names of the 42 who were killed while serving in Vietnam. Army Colonel Mike McDermott (retired) spoke of the war and the men he served beside during the ceremony. Vietnam veteran and NBAF Liason, Ron Trewyn told KMAN veterans are treated much better now than they were upon their return from the war. Trewyn didn’t experience the “welcome home” society gives soldiers now, instead he saw his fellow veterans get spat on upon their return home.
“I think, never letting that happen again… I have been pleased that is no longer the case with those returning from wars recently, but it’s something we have to keep in mind.”
KMAN would like to thank those who, like Trewyn and McDermott, gave so much during the Vietnam War.
