Rededication of the Vietnam Memorial

A gray tablet listing the names of the thirteen young men of Morgan
County who perished in the Vietnam War was produced for the dedication
of Vietnam Veterans Grove memorial in Nichols Park on March 29, 1975.
For an unknown reason, when the large, black marble monument was later
added to the site, the above-mentioned tablet was affixed, but the date of
the new monument’s dedication was omitted. That date, Memorial Day,
May 31, 1993 has recently been added and the purpose of the
rededication is to not only celebrate the site becoming a more stand alone,
interpretive memorial, but to honor the thirteen young men of Morgan
County who died in the Vietnam War, and their Gold Star families. It is
historic as it has been 29 years since the last formal ceremony was held at
the Vietnam Memorial. It is also an extraordinary occasion as never before
have the thirteen Gold Star families been invited to gather, and participate
in such a special commemoration. The Jacksonville Community Band will
accompany the proceedings by favoring the assembly with patriotic
songs, including when Gold Star families, escorted by active duty military
personnel from the United States Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, and
Navy, convey personalized bouquets of red, white, and blue carnations for
arranging at the base of the monument. This event is free and the public is
cordially invited to attend. Lawn chairs are recommended. With questions
please email [email protected] or call 904.314.0169.