Memorial Day, 2011
Vietnam vet SFC John Gianos-- a Green Beret, and Navy veteran Todd Burd place a wreath in front of Ronnie Albert Hecker's name on the Wall of Honor. Some of Ronnie's family and friends stand in silent reverence, ready to reveal his name on the Wall of Honor. His daughter, Tonya Correnti is at far right.
Ronnie didn't die in the war, he died almost 40 years later due to complications caused by Agent Orange. Ronnie gave his life for his country. We salute and honor him for his service.
Several hundred people attended the 2011 Memorial Day services at LZ Peace Memorial. They said prayers, listened to patriotic music from Gino Cuppini's band, sang a few songs, saw a jet fly overhead, watched a Huey land and take off, enjoyed sweltering temperatures in the 90's, unveiled a new name on the Wall, and listened to one man's story of the bravery and heroism of the American fighting man.
One Vietnam veteran said to his buddy, "Make it about 30 degrees hotter and twice the humidity and you'd have typical day in Vietnam. The other vet said, "Yeah, add a few bullets, some bombs, water snakes, swamps, jungles, monsoon rains, people trying to kill you, a little Agent Orange and I'd feel right at home."
In a flag raising ceremony Todd Burd hoisted the Navy flag to the tune of Anchors Aweigh, as flags from the Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps and Air Force were raised and saluted as Gino's band played their songs.
The guest speaker was Danny Russell, USAF. A 100% disabled American veteran, Danny may be the only person to have the distinction of being shot down twice in the same day. His tearful story of watching his fellow brother soldiers die,his bravery and that of who risked their live to save him, and living to tell about it was both heart-wrntching and heart-warming at the same time.
The bravery of fellow soldiers and airmen flying a rescue helicopter into Hell and Back to save their comrades in arms is in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon themselves and the Armed Forces of the United States of America. Thanks to all those who attended and we hope to see you 11-11-11, Veterans Day, 2011.
On Sunday, May 29th, John Gianos and Nick Parnello of the Vietnam Veterans Honor Society, had the honor of presenting Veteran's Service Pins to military veterans from Broadway Covenant Church.
The L.E.A.C. Huey landed at LZ Peace Memorial piloted by Dave Kennedy, Senior Pilot; with Dr. Paul Galluzzo; and newscaster Eric Wilson on board.
A special thanks to the Rockford Register Star, Rock River Times, WREX, WTVO, WIFR, WQRF and all the local news media for their help in publicizing all the Memorial Day events. We couldn't do it without your support.
