The Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the End of the Vietnam War at Gate of Heaven

~ The 50th Anniversary of the End of the Vietnam War ~

On March 29, 2023 our nation recognized National Vietnam War Veterans Day on the 50th anniversary of the date the last US combat troops left South Vietnam. On October 28 at 2:00 p.m., Gate of Heaven Cemetery honored this 50th Anniversary with a Commemoration in our Veterans Garden to share our gratitude to Vietnam Veterans and those who served in that era. We honored Vietnam Veterans and their families for their service and reminded everyone present to remember the men and women who put the lives of others ahead of their own to serve during one of America’s longest foreign wars.

The distinguished guest speaker for the ceremony was Retired Colonel, Congressman Brad Wenstrup who joined the United States Army Reserve in 1998, attaining the rank of colonel in March 2017. In 2005 and 2006, he served a tour in Iraq with the 344th Combat Support Hospital. The event was not only a remembrance of American lives lost but, also a heartfelt tribute to a true hero, Staff Sergeant Jack Freppon. Sergeant Freppon was laid to rest at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in 1969. He is the most decorated Vietnam Veteran in the city of Cincinnati. As an alumnus of Purcell Marian High School, a scholarship fund has been established in his name, symbolizing his enduring legacy of valor and sacrifice.

During the event, Gate of Heaven Cemetery proudly presented a check to the Staff Sergeant Jack Freppon Scholarship Fund as a testament to our commitment to honoring those who have given so much for our nation. All Vietnam Veterans who attended were presented with a special pin for their service, along with many handshakes and hugs.

On this 50th anniversary 2023, and future, we ask you to remember to thank your family members, friends and neighbors who served in the Vietnam war and era. You can also attend events and pinning ceremonies held nationwide to commemorate these courageous individuals like our Commemoration at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Together, we can ensure current and future generations to never forget the service and sacrifice of Vietnam Veterans.

Let us always express our gratitude. Let us never forget. Let us never let this history get lost.

Let us always REMEMBER, HONOR, TEACH and PRAY!

God bless our United States of America and all of the men and women who served in our US military!