The London Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution present a Vietnam War Commemoration Flag to London Mayor David Eades: (from left) Vicki Carner, Regent Sharon Dillion, Eades, Yvonne Hiteshue and Betty Cummins.
(Posted May 21, 2015)
On May 19, the London chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) presented to London Mayor David Eades a United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration Flag to be flown at Bicentennial Park at the corner of Walnut and High streets.
The National Society of the DAR partnered with the United States of America Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemoration, established by Congress, to “thank and honor veterans of the Vietnam War, including personnel who were held as prisoners of war or listed as missing in action, for their service and sacrifice on behalf of the United States and to thank and honor the families of these veterans.”
States and chapters were encouraged to have at least two activities that recognize the Vietnam War and those who served. At the Ohio DAR state conference, the opening night focused on this theme. The London chapter voted to participate in the project as a commemorative partner.
Members of the London chapter’s Vietnam 50th Anniversary committee are Vicki Carner, Betty Cummins, Katie Harvey and Yvonne Hiteshue.
To date, the chapter’s related activities include the following:
- Jerry Cummins, Retired Master Chief U.S. Navy, spoke to chapter members about the role of an aircraft carrier during Vietnam War.
- The chapter voted to donate $400 to the Veterans Memorial Drive banner project. The banners, listing London veterans who died during time of war, will be displayed on High Street in downtown London. Chapter members gave additional donations to make a total of $500. The donation is to be used toward the banners for the Vietnam veterans. Sharon Dillion and Yvonne Hiteshue attended the May 7 London city council to make the banner project donation.
- Vicki Carner and Yvonne Hiteshue visited the Madison County Chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America on April 26. They shared the objectives of the DAR and offered any assistance or support to the group.
The committee will be busy Memorial Day weekend, with the following activities planned:
- May 24 at 1 p.m.—Yvonne Hiteshue will be the keynote speaker at ceremonies at Paint Township Cemetery.
- May 24 at 3:30 p.m.—Vicki Carner will give a tribute to Vietnam Veterans during ceremonies at Range Township Cemetery.
- May 25 at 11 a.m.—Regent Sharon Dillion will give a Vietnam tribute at ceremonies at the Madison County Courthouse in London. Betty Cummins will give the tribute at Kirkwood Cemetery following the ceremony at the courthouse.
About the flag
A representation of the Vietnam Service Medal rests below the inner rings in the design on the United State of America Vietnam War Commemoration flag.
The red, white, and blue inner rings represent the U.S. flag and recognize all Americans, both military and civilian, who served or contributed to the Vietnam War effort.
The outer black ring serves as a reminder of those who were killed in action, held as prisoners of war or listed as missing in action during the Vietnam War. The black ring surrounds the red, white and blue rings to call attention to their sacrifices, the sacrifices of their families, and the defense of the nation’s freedom.
Within the blue ring are the words “Service, Valor and Sacrifice.” The gold-rimmed white star between the words “service” and “valor” represents hope for the families of those veterans for which there has not been a full accounting. The blue-rimmed gold star between the words “valor” and “sacrifice” represents the families of those veterans who paid the ultimate sacrifice during the war. The blue star at the bottom of the inner blue ring represents the families of all veterans and symbolizes their support from home.
At the bottom of the inner blue ring are six white stars, three on each side of the blue star. These six white stars symbolize the contributions and sacrifices made by the United States and its Allies, Australia, New Zealand, Philippines, Republic of Korea, and Thailand.
The center circle contains a map of Vietnam in black outline relief, signifying both the country and the Vietnamese veterans who stood with the U.S. veterans. The subdued outlines of Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and surrounding waters represent the area of operation where U.S. Armed Forces served.
The green laurel wreath signifies honor for all who served.
The phrase, “A Grateful Nation Thanks and Honors You,” is the personal message to each veteran, civilian, family member and all who served and sacrificed during the Vietnam War.
The seal’s blue background is the same color as the canton in the U.S. flag.
