Vietnam War vets' memorial unveiled

One voice. Then a second. Finally, nearly everyone sang along softly.

Joining in on a moving version of "America the Beautiful" was one way more than 200 area residents saluted those who served in the Vietnam War at Tuesday's Vietnam memorial dedication.

"It's definitely overdue," said Scobie Robert, a World War II veteran who served in the U.S. Marines and attended the dedication. "Those poor guys had a tough time. They were never really recognized and they did the same thing we did. I think this is wonderful."

The monument was unveiled in a kick-off of the Fourth of July Libertyfest in Cape Girardeau. Local members of VietNow, an organization that promotes and educates the public on Vietnam veterans rights, is responsible for erecting the monument after two years of planning.

The unveiling revealed a 6-foot-tall monument cut from rare Missouri white marble with an outline of Vietnam. It features the inscription "to honor all who answered our nation's call."

Rodger Brown, a member of the VietNow and a Vietnam veteran who spoke at the 90-minute event, said Vietnam veterans were outcasts in their own country when they returned home to a hostile public.

"For those of us who did return from Vietnam, this monument will help renew the pride and patriotism we had as innocent, young men," Brown said. "Our self-worth can be restored and our feelings of shame can be erased."

For the 58,168 U.S. troops who never came home, the monument should represent closure in the hearts and minds of U.S. citizens.

"We can view this stone with the pride all Americans should have for the defenders of our freedom," Brown said. "This monument can be the symbol of unity, which is so long overdue. Perhaps for those who did not return, this monument will bring peace."

Michelle Baugh of Centralia, Ill., also spoke at the event, telling her story of growing up without her father, Richard Githens, who was killed in Vietnam in 1968 when Baugh was 3 months old.

She said growing up without her father was devastating, but that she draws strength from it. She also has many friends who lost their fathers in Vietnam who share her view.

"We have come to the realization that we are truly better, stronger men and women because of the experience of losing our fathers to the ugliness of war," Baugh said. "We understand how truly precious life is, unlike many others within our generation."

It is vital, she said, that Vietnam casualties of war are more than mourned. Their lives must be celebrated, she said.

Cape Girardeau County Presiding Commissioner Gerald Jones said the monument in Cape Girardeau is the only monument in Missouri that pays tribute to those who died in combat and those who returned home.

Jones also took those who protested the war to task.

"My opinion is some of those protesters were people who flunked Dr. Spock's chapter on toilet training," Jones said.

Because of the way the war played out, Jones said many Vietnam veterans have a bittersweet feelings about their service. But he said they are the real patriots.

"Real patriotism requires more than posting a flag in our yard," Jones said. "It requires action, commitment and a willingness to sacrifice for your country -- like our Vietnam veterans."

smoyers@semissourian.com

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