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Camp Pendleton Unveils Incredible Vietnam Memorial Dedicated to 2,706 Heroes KIA

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A new Vietnam War memorial was dedicated at Camp Pendleton in California on Monday, recognizing the ultimate sacrifice made by over 2,700 U.S. Marines.

The 5th Marine Regiment deployed to Vietnam as the war effort was ramping up in 1966 and remained in the country for the next five years, engaging in some of the conflict’s fiercest battles.

The Fighting 5th lost a total of 2,706 Marines during the war and their names all appear on the marble walls of the new memorial.

Former Marine Lieutenant Steve Colwell, 74, and Nick Warr, 72 — both Vietnam veterans who fought with the 5th — oversaw the years-long fundraising efforts and the designing of the memorial, the Orange County Register reported.

Colwell told KSWB-TV of those he served with in the war, “In the 60s, they raised their hand and they answered the call of duty when 16 million of their peers stepped sideways or backwards.”

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“They put on a pack and went 10,000 miles away from home. They fought in rice paddies and jungles and monsoons and terrible conditions and they gave all they had and all they would ever have,” he added.

During his keynote address at the dedication of the memorial on Monday, Warr said, “The legacy of the Fighting Fifth Marines during the Vietnam War is unmatched.”

“This new monument is a testament to all those who did not come home, and will serve as a legacy, going forward into the future, for all those wonderful young Marines on active duty. Today you will see that the Marines and sailors on these stones are assembled in their last battalion formations,” he continued.

“They fought together in units, and they will stand guard over this place as a unit. We will never forget them.”

Those gathered for Monday’s service included 250 Gold Star families, hundreds of Vietnam War veterans and top brass from the 5th Regiment and 1st Marine Division, according to the Register.

Major Gen. Eric Smith, commanding general of the 1st Marine Division, offered some advice to attendees during his remarks at the dedication.

“Take 15 minutes today to talk to one of the veterans who fought for you and for our Constitution,” he said.

Do you appreciate the great sacrifices made by Vietnam War veterans?
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Smith added, “Go to the wall and ask them, ‘Do you have someone on the wall?’ Ask them to point out the name and touch it. Ask them, ‘Who was this Marine or sailor? What did they love? Why did they fight? Where are they from? How’d they die?’ Break out your iPhone and record it in your notes so you’ll always have it on Memorial Day.”

“So 20 years from now, you can say, ‘I know that Marine or sailor. Otherwise what will happen is people will walk by and see that beautiful memorial, run their hands on it and say, ‘Boy, I wonder who those guys were.’”

Over 58,000 Americans gave their lives in the Vietnam War and over 14,000 of those were Marines.

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Randy DeSoto has written more than 2,000 articles for The Western Journal since he joined the company in 2015. He is a graduate of West Point and Regent University School of Law. He is the author of the book "We Hold These Truths" and screenwriter of the political documentary "I Want Your Money."
Randy DeSoto is the senior staff writer for The Western Journal. He wrote and was the assistant producer of the documentary film "I Want Your Money" about the perils of Big Government, comparing the presidencies of Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama. Randy is the author of the book "We Hold These Truths," which addresses how leaders have appealed to beliefs found in the Declaration of Independence at defining moments in our nation's history. He has been published in several political sites and newspapers.

Randy graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point with a BS in political science and Regent University School of Law with a juris doctorate.
Birthplace
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Nationality
American
Honors/Awards
Graduated dean's list from West Point
Education
United States Military Academy at West Point, Regent University School of Law
Books Written
We Hold These Truths
Professional Memberships
Virginia and Pennsylvania state bars
Location
Phoenix, Arizona
Languages Spoken
English
Topics of Expertise
Politics, Entertainment, Faith




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