A display of respect from peers VVA Chapter 354 Veterans Memorial
Ionia County Courthouse
Ionia, Ionia County
"Ionia V.V.A. Chapter 354
1989"
Korea veterans are often referred to as soldiers from the 'Forgotten War' because that conflict was not overly popular. But it did claim over 54,000 American soliders, six of them from Ionia County. The Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 354, have erected a nice memorial to these men and the fourteen of their brothers that died in their own unpopular war.
That politics, and political rhetoric, ever enter into the recognition of service to a nation is unforgivable. That this should even be a topic within this site is appalling. But the fact remains, our soldiers are always the first targets in any conflict. Our politicans quickly justify millions of dollars to construct a Presidential Library and give themselves a pay raise in almost every session of Congress. But they drag their feet when it comes to remembering our men and women in uniform, either with expressions of honor or a simple increase in their meager pay and benefits.
If you believe these men were well compensated while they served, ponder the service and the loss of Engineman Third Class Dewey Decker, USN. He was one of two sailors killed on May 5, 1969 while serving aboard a 'Swift Boat' (PCF-51) in the Mekong Delta. Yes, these are the same units, and the same time period, the Republicans talked about when trying to smear John Kerry as he ran for president.
During the month prior to Decker's death, PCF-51 had been under fire several times and had taken casualties, including the death of one shipmate three weeks earlier. Decker was a skilled engine mechanic, just two months shy of his 21st birthday, and only making about $200 per month. At home a 16 year old high school student could make that working part time flipping burgers. Seems unbalanced, doesn't it? And instead of discussing the bravery of all these men, our political leaders choose to manipulate the circumstances of their service for a less than honorable political purpose. Combat can take the life of a serviceman at any moment; the first second 'in country', the very last, or at any time in-between.
As you stand before this memorial, remember that a majority of the men that served and died in these two conflicts were conscripted. These were wars we always questioned, and yet they served when called. Let them not be forgotten. These men, volunteers or draftees, are true heroes!
