Kelsey Klont
Editor

(Photo provided)

A memorial monument paying tribute to and recognizing the Vietnam veterans of Eaton County, who had served their country well in giving the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom will be placed on the Courthouse Square lawn in Charlotte. There will be a public honorary ceremony, that will be held on Memorial Day at 11:30 a.m.

The Vietnam War, circa November 1, 1955- April 30, 1975, known as Operation Rolling Thunder and Operation Homecoming amongst many others, was a war that brought a lot of controversy with the United States involvement in deescalating the spread of Communism overseas. 

There was a lot of opposition of United States citizens to their country’s involvement in the war; while the war waged on, the hard-fought valiant efforts of their soldiers continued in the terrible conditions that they experienced overseas as well as their homecoming.

While the country’s participation and overall perspective is seen as unnecessary, these veterans did not get nearly as much recognition as they so willingly deserved, with many veterans from Eaton County. 

 Now in recognition of the incredible honor and pride these Vietnam veterans have for their country in giving the ultimate sacrifice, this new memorial monument lists the 27 names, proudly, of the incredible local heroes with their involvement in the Vietnam War. This memorial was initiated by Eaton County Vietnam Veterans Group and many of their fellow veterans, both from Vietnam War and other wars. For the veterans, by the veterans. 

Listed on the memorial monument are Ellis E. Austin, Norman L. Koos, Alvin C. McMann Jr., David W. Barnaby, Robert L. Ellison, John R. Cotter, Jerald W. Kemp, Elgie G. Hanna, David A. Stremler, John M. Durham, David M. Powell, Ronald D. Albertson, Gary L. Clapp, Terry H. Beardslee, Curtis E. Braatz, Glenn L. Fetterman, Richard D. Miller, Dewey R. Decker, Kitchell S. Gibbs, Duane L. Clouse, Clyde D. Lahr, Daniel G. Rulison, Allen R. Towner, Larry D. Leitch, David W. Barrus, Thomas W. Beatty, and Jerry N. Duffey. 

These 27 names are all that could be found who were from Eaton County, served their country, and were killed in the Vietnam War. If there is anybody who is not listed that should be, please let the Eaton County Vietnam Veterans Group know.