The Massachusetts Vietnam Veterans' Memorial. Dedicated in June 2002, is located on Skyline Drive at Green Hill Park in Worcester. The 4-acre location includes a pond, walking paths and the Memorials. A place to provide a dignified, quiet, natural location for reflection and learning.
The Memorial is designed in three sections called places. These consist of the PLACE OF FLAGS, PLACE OF WORDS and PLACE OF NAMES.
The PLACE OF WORDS consists of an area where the words of veterans are etched in stone for all to see and contemplate. The writings in the PLACE OF WORDS are the text from letters written home by 13 Massachusetts servicemen who died in Vietnam. For veterans, Gold Star family members, and the citizens, this space is a place of knowledge, reflection, and understanding for those who gave their life for freedom.
The PLACE OF NAMES proclaims, in stone, the names of 1,536 Massachusetts men and 1 woman veteran who remain missing or who died in combat as a result of wounds received while in action in Vietnam. Forever more will those who visit this PLACE see the names of those who answered the call and remain forever young. The complex is located on four acres and consists of a pond, walking paths, the Memorials and provides a dignified, quiet, natural location for reflection and learning. The Massachusetts Legislature earmarked over $1.4 million dollars for the project and private donations were raised for the program and dedication weekend which took place June 9, 2002. Since that date 9 additional names have been added to the Memorial.
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Two of the letters from the Place of Words:
Dear Ma
I'm writing to you on radio watch early in the morning.
I feel fine & healthy. The chow is C-rations.
I have a beard - four days old -- and a pet bird in
the pagoda where we live.
The platoon is fine - magnificent!
Hard workers, no mail or packages or enough
water - but no complaints - at least
we'll get a generation of tougher men out of
this war from my platoon.
I was wounded in the left arm on Thanksgiving
but I'm fine now. Help my dear wife and look after
that silly Beauregard. I wish you all Merry Christmas
and Happy, Happy New Year.
Take care of yourself, Momma, and
try not to work so hard.
I am doing what I want to do and I've found
we really need so little to survive with dignity in
this world. Dependence on material things is unnecessary,
for they pass away too easily due to floods, grenades,
rust and wear & tear.
Strange - being without anything, as we are here,
produces an inner calm.
Love, Brian
6 December 1966
BRIAN RICHARD O'CONNOR
1939 - 1967
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Dear Family,
This year is no different. Just because it's become our turn to
bear the burden of winning peace, do not feel that all is lost
or even feel discouraged. I remember the words of J.F.K., when he
said he counted it as a privilege that his generation had been
chosen to help preserve the peace around the world for
future generations. I feel the same way.
God bless you all,
Bud
25 December 1968
DAVID ALLEN HILL
1947 - 1969
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Information courtesy of Massachusetts Vietnam Veterans' Memorial.
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Requiescat In Pace brothers and sister - For as long as your names are remembered so too are you. Thank you for serving for us and your country.