Before the pandemic and the restrictions now in place, an important Memorial Day event was being planned by the Noon Exchange Club of Garland. The Vietnam Monument that had formerly been installed at Central Park was moved and set in place at the Veterans Tribute Garden behind the Garland Senior Activities Center in downtown Garland.
The Tribute Garden is also home to plaques with the names of service members from Garland who died in World War I, World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.
The Noon Exchange Club of Garland had wanted to express gratitude to the families of the servicemen’s names that are displayed on the Vietnam plaque as well as those that have sustained injuries in war, returned home and later died because of the war injuries. Many have died from Vietnam-related causes such as exposure to Agent Orange after returning home.
The Vietnam Veterans Foundation has established the In Memory program that honors these heroes. More information can be found at Wall of Faces and In Memory Honor Roll.
Just because we cannot show respect and gratitude in the same ways as past Memorial Day holidays, there are things communities can do. American Legion National Commander, Jams W. “Bill” Oxford asked the American Legion Family to encourage communities to pay tribute to our fallen servicemen and women by lighting a candle and placing it on their front porch at dusk on Memorial Day, May 25.
“Such a display will remind everyone that our resolve to honor those who served before us will continue even as social distancing measures limit our ability to perform traditional Memorial Day remembrances,” he said.
Oxford recommends a red candle to remember the bloodshed in battle to protect our freedoms; a white candle to keep our POWs and MIAs in our thoughts and prayers until their return home; and blue for the memories of those who made it home but are no longer with us.
The commander is asking that photos of the candles be posted on social media, tagging the American Legion National Headquarters and using the hashtag #VirtualMemorialDay.
He added that having families hold signs spelling out statements like “We will never forget” in the photos with your front porch candles would be a great tribute.
No matter how you choose to honor them, simply send the message that we will never forget the bravery and heroism of those who gave their lives for our freedom.
Promoting patriotism is one of the organization’s primary missions and the Noon Exchange Club of Garland has participated in and hosted a number of military service-related activities.
Exchange promotes pride in our country, appreciation for the freedoms granted to American citizens and gratitude to the men and women who serve and have served in the armed forces.