In Memory began in 1999 and has since honored more than 2,800 veterans.
In Memory honors those who died as a result of the Vietnam War but whose deaths did not fit the Department of Defense parameters for inclusion on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Please understand that, while your loved one's memory and service will be honored; his/her name will Not be inscribed on The Wall.

'In Memory' acknowledges the hardships encountered and the strengths manifested years after the initial war incidents.

'In Memory' gives proper due to sacrifices of both the service members and the loved ones who have stood by them.

'In Memory' Day commemorates annually America's concern for all American veterans, but particularly those who have faced daily difficulties caused by their service, and who have had their lives shortened prematurely. This is the least we can do for our veterans.

Navy veteran Chuck Price of Austin, CO, singing "The Unsung Heroes," a song about honoring and remembering Vietnam Veterans.

Chuck also sang another of his originals, "You Are The Heroes".

These are the silent casualties who are honored by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund's 'In Memory' Program.

It is hard to lose someone in battle, abruptly and without warning. So, too, is it hard to return from war, with a life so broken that it never repairs. For the service members who return and their families, the sometimes slow disintegration of body, mind and spirit can be as devastating as wartime loss. The obstacles faced because of handicap and disillusionment go on unabated.

During the 'In Memory' Day ceremony, the names of all the honorees are read aloud.

These are the silent casualties who are honored by the 'In Memory' Program.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, certificates bearing the honorees' names are placed at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

The honorees are included in an 'In Memory' Honor Roll Book to serve as a lasting reminder of their service and sacrifices.

During the 'In Memory' Day ceremony, the names of all the honorees are read aloud. At the conclusion of the ceremony, certificates bearing the honorees' names are placed at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The tributes are collected by the National Park Service and stored in their permanent archive. In addition, the honorees are included in an In Memory Honor Roll Book to serve as a lasting reminder of their service and sacrifices.

And while this Memorial of solemn granite walls — laden with panel after panel inscribed with hundreds and hundreds of names — is dedicated to all who served, there are many veterans who have died prematurely as a result of the war and whose names will never be commemorated in stone. How do we acknowledge the debt to those whose lives have been cut short because of exposure to a defoliant sprayed in the jungles of Vietnam?

How do we show understanding for those veterans whose psychological wounds never healed, and enduring the pain no longer, died at their own hands, either directly or indirectly? How do we help bring closure to those families who grieve their loved one's bitter death even as they grieve their loved one's shattered life? These are the silent casualties who are honored by the 'In Memory' Day Program.

If you know of anyone whose death was related to Vietnam War involvement, please complete an 'In Memory' application and return it to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund along with a copy of the death certificate, proof of service in Vietnam*, a clean photograph of the honoree and a short biography.

Here is a link to obtain an ‘In Memory’ Application | http://act.vvmf.org/page/s/2017-in-memory-application

Mike ‘Doc’ Spresser, has made a bamboo frame with all military service ensigns to outline the 'In Memory' plaque. | 302-265-5154

The Three Soldiers now stand guard over the 'In Memory' plaque.