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Jersey City Memorial Day Commemoration

By Dave Cline

On May 30, 1998, a Memorial Day commemoration was held in Jersey City, NJ to remember the 61 local men who lost their lives in the Vietnam War. A previous commemoration in 1987 had been only half completed when local politicians derailed the Memorial effort. Last year, the Jersey City Vietnam Veterans Memorial Committee was organized, with the motto "They Will Not Be Forgotten." Committee members were able to get the City government to repair and identify the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Community Center. Local newspapers gave extensive coverage to the effort, and the City Council passed a resolution of support. On Memorial Day, a crowd of 400 people turned out for a diverse, well-organized program to honor the dead and rededicate the Center. Many of the commemorated men's families participated, along with twelve veterans' organizations who provided color guards. "Amazing Grace" was played by the Hudson County Pipe & Drum Band, and "Taps" was performed by members of the Dickinson High School Band. Moving speeches were given, and Girl Scouts read the names of the fallen. Jan Barry, VVAW's first president, read selections of his and other veterans' poetry. There were also spiritual presentations by Native American Joe Cross and Father Thomas Olsen. The photo shows Master of Ceremonies David Cline calling the meeting to order while aide Fred DeSiano stands by.

Dave Cline is a Vietnam vet and a former national coordinator of VVAW.