Perry County High School Vietnam Memorial

West Perry High School
Vietnam Memorial
"Welcome Home"
May 26, 2006 12:30pm

The morning and afternoon of May 26 was a great success at West Perry High School. The morning was filled with presentations of medals and certificates, speeches and then a luncheon filled with close to 600 attendants. The decision was made to move most of the dedication into the gym which delayed the day by only a half hour, but ended up making the speeches much more intimate. The entire high school student body was present, as well as about 800 veterans, family members and community members supporting the dedication. The most touching moment of the afternoon had to be when SGM James R. Mulkey gave the Keynote Address. His words touched all those present; men and women, young and old, veteran and non-veteran. Brian Gilbert (high school senior) led the day's events with ease and compassion as it was a day mixed with both happiness and sadness.

The location of Vietnam.

This table at the entrance of the high school had two veteran posters for all of the veteran men and women to sign and date.	The crowd in the gymnasium was close to two thousand individuals. The turn out was amazing!
The student chorus sang United We Stand and The Way of Peace.	SGM James R. Mulkey gave the touching Keynote Address.
The veiled memorial flanked by a dozen flags. This monument greeted all who came to the dedication.	Even the dogs in the audience were showing their support.
\| Brian Gilbert announced the eleven names that are inscribed into the two bevels that flank the center etched monument.	A soldier places a rose at the Field Cross.
The color guard stands next to the monument as it is unveiled.	Family members of the deceased eleven Vietnam Soldiers await their cue to unveil the monument.
Even as the rain poured close to two thousand stayed outside to watch the emotional unveiling.	The flag is slowly pulled off the granite to reveal the students creation.
Family members get their first look of the beautiful monument.	Many stand in awe of the drawing and the eleven names on the flanking bevels.
A full rifle volley followed the unveiling.	The day was concluded with a prayer given by Rev. Miriam Nicholson.
The center "Welcome Home" monument with the roof top has the etching of the two soldiers and a nurse emerging from the jungle of Vietnam walking along the Vietnam Memorial towards the Washington Monument. This granite monument is flanked by two granite "They Gave All They Had" bevels with the eleven soldier's names engraved upon them.	The frames on the right side include images of the American flag, fighter jets, Huey helicopters, and a water patrol boat. The left side is a map of Vietnam with stars showing the locations of where the eleven soldiers lost their lives. Cradled in the curve of the Vietnam map is the POW-MIA logo.

Carson Long Military Institute cadets march through the gym.	The Color Guard stands erect.
The crowd acknowledges the veterans.	A bagpiper plays Amazing Grace.
Father Robert F. Sharman leads the crowd with a prayer. Brian Gilbert stands to his left.	Veterans in the crowd listen to SGM Mulkey's address.
A veteran in the crowd stands for all to acknowledge his dedication to our country.	Family members of the eleven honored veterans await instruction for the unveiling.
The dedication was broadcast by several local television stations.	Veterans have a little fun before the ceremony begins.
A full salute for the Rifle Volley.	Two students honor the Veterans by placing a wreath before the memorial.
The Color Guard arrives at the monument.	An honored speaker explains what the Field Cross represents.
A Veteran carries the soldiers boots to the Field Cross.	The soldiers with the crowd behind them all stand in silence for one of the three Rifle Volleys.
A soldier places the rifle at the Field Cross.	Dog Tags are placed on the rifle at the Field Cross.
A soldiers helmet is placed upon the rifle stalk.	The Field Cross is completed with the laying of a single red rose. A perfect conclusion to the emotional day.