Clinton County Vietnam Veterans Memorial Dedicated

LOCK HAVEN — It was a gorgeous Saturday morning, just six days before Veterans Day that Clinton County’s new Vietnam Memorial was unveiled at Veteran Park in Lock Haven.

The moving ceremony was the result of the efforts of Vietnam veteran Ken Shadle and his wife Karen. The memorial they unveiled recognizes the 19 Clinton County fallen Vietnam servicemen. Vietnam veteran John MacMillan was the principal speaker. He had researched and on Saturday told the story of “each of these patriots who were killed to help preserve democracy and freedom.”

Citing personal experience from his Vietnam involvement in what was seen as a politically charged war in the United States 50 years ago, MacMillen said, “There was no welcome home parade or celebration, instead many of us were insulted and even attacked because we wore the uniform.” But he lauded the efforts to those who nevertheless answered the call to serve their country, specifically the 19 whose names are inscribed on the new Veterans Park memorial, detailing their curtailed lives growing up, young men from Loganton to Renovo, and their ultimate sacrifice for their country: “To those who died in combat we promise never to forget you and your foreshortened story. For those of us who survived, ‘welcome home and thank you for your service.’”

Following the memorial unveiling by the Shadles, they presented special plaques to area veterans service organizations. Dalton Bechdel, a senior at Central Mountain High School and a descendent of military veterans, presented commemorative coins to the many Vietnam veterans who attended the ceremony.

The ceremony at the park across from the Clinton County Court House ended with the retiring of the colors and taps performed by Jim Franklin.