Vietnam Veterans Honored on 50th Year End to the War

 

 

Lynn Bledsoe

Gimlet Editor

 

March 29, 2025 – Brownsville KY. The Wand B Doyle Unit 32 Disabled American Veterans and Auxiliary held the Commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the ending of the Vietnam War.

The Vietnam War began in 1955 and ended on March 29, 1975. At the end of the War 58,279 US Soldiers had been killed and more than 3 million were involved. On Dec. 1, 1969, the first draft lottery since WWII was held. This was during a time when large protests were being held against the Vietnam War. 1.7 million US Soldiers were drafted to fight in Vietnam.

The returning soldiers were not brought home to a hero’s welcome as many protests fueled by college campus students and socialist parties were beginning to gain recognition, adding to the fact that at this time Vietnam was not even considered a war but a conflict. Not all who served were drafted, many soldiers chose to fight for their country instead.

 

 

Those who served during this time are honored now for all their sacrifices. They are remembered for their patriotism and dedication to the freedom of the United States.

In Edmonson County the following fallen soldiers are not forgotten; Harvey Chambers, Charles Wayne Graham, Trenton Gravil, Danny Edward Hereau, James Larry Hightower, Darrell Hogan, Ernest Edward Lane JR., Travis O. Poss, Ernest Wayne Rutherford, Elzie Sanders JR, Bobby Lee Tarter, and William Roy Watt.

Each year a soldier is chosen By Unit 32 of the DAV to be honored. Elbert “Darrell” Dennis, Sergeant First Class, was selected this year. Dennis enlisted on May 24, 1967, and re-enlisted in December 1970. Sgt. Dennis retired in 1990. During his career, he earned many awards including the Army Commendation Medal 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster, the Army Good Conduct Medal 6th award, and the National Defense Service Medal.

Gerald Carroll spoke of young men during that time entering their senior year of high school with the draft looming. Gerald spoke of boxer Muhammad Ali, who has been honored in Kentucky but chose not to fight in the War, while soldiers were not received home with open arms.

 

 

The population during the 1960s and 1970s, in Edmonson County, was around 8,500, 600 from Edmonson County served during this same time.

“Sgt. Dennis’ serviced twice. Sgt. Dennis did his duty.”, Gerald Carroll.

Sgt. Dennis also had a brother, Marvin who served in Vietnam. Sgt. Dennis’ sisters Dana Dennis and Debbie Carroll were present. Debbie spoke of her brothers and how difficult it was while they were gone. Debbie said her mother spent a lot of time praying during that time.

The invocation was given by Bro. Jerry Patton. Judge Exec. Scott Lindsey sang the “Star Spangled Banner.” Maurita Miller, DAVA Commander lead the recognition of Veterans.