WASHINGTON – A host of Vietnam-era Veterans honored the 40th anniversary of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial during a wreath-laying ceremony on March 26.
Dignitaries included:
- Jan Scruggs, a Vietnam Veteran and founder of the memorial.
- Army & Air Force Exchange Service Director/CEO Tom Shull, a Vietnam-era Army Veteran who now leads the Department of Defense’s largest retailer
- Ambassador Robert “Bud” McFarlane, a former National Security Advisor who served two combat tours in Vietnam.
- Former Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, who served in the Army in Vietnam alongside his brother.
- James Reston Jr., a Vietnam-era Army Veteran and author of “A Rift in the Earth: Art, Memory, and the Fight for a Vietnam Memorial.
Shull, while serving in the White House while on active duty in 1982, was a driving force in securing final approvals for the memorial within a 60-day deadline. Shull’s efforts cleared the way for the memorial’s groundbreaking on March 26, 1982. The memorial was dedicated later that year. More than 5 million people visit ach year, and it’s become a solemn place of healing.
“Forty years ago today, ground was broken here…and our Nation began to heal,” Shull said. “This memorial restores pride for all who serve, especially Vietnam Veterans, and, to paraphrase President Lincoln, to all who gave their last full measure of devotion,” Shull said. “Our fallen are forever with us at this sacred place. Four decades later, this memorial continues to heal our country.”
Shull has led the Dallas-based Exchange since 2012.
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Since 1895, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (Exchange) has gone where Soldiers, Airmen, Guardians and their families go to improve the quality of their lives by providing valued goods and services at exclusive military pricing. The Exchange is the 54th-largest retailer in the United States. 100% of Exchange earnings support military communities. In the last 10 years, your Exchange benefit has provided $3.4 billion in earnings for critical military Quality-of-Life programs. The Exchange is a non-appropriated fund entity of the Department of Defense and is directed by a Board of Directors. The Exchange is a 50th Anniversary Vietnam War Commemorative Partner, planning and conducting events and activities that recognize the service, valor and sacrifice of Vietnam Veterans and their families in conjunction with the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration. To find out more about the Exchange history and mission or to view recent press releases please visit our website at http://www.shopmyexchange.com or follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ExchangePAO.
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Media Notes:
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