The program opened with welcoming remarks, followed by an invocation delivered by Vietnam veteran Sergeant Milton Jones of the U.S. Marine Corps, setting a reverent tone for the morning. The Johns Creek Veterans Association Color Guard presented the Colors, and attendees then heard remarks from Johns Creek Mayor John Bradberry, himself a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and JCVA member, underscoring the city’s commitment to honoring those who served in Vietnam. Facts about the Vietnam Wall were shared, helping all present—especially younger attendees—better understand the significance of the memorial and the sacrifices represented by each name.

A particularly moving portion of the ceremony came as First Lieutenant Virginia “Ginny” Dornheggen, U.S. Army, Vietnam combat nurse and 2024 inductee into the Georgia Military Veterans Hall of Fame, shared her personal reflections on her Vietnam service. Her testimony about courage, loss, and perseverance brought the realities of the war into sharp focus and reminded all present of the quiet heroism of combat medics and nurses. The commemoration concluded with the ceremonial folding of the official funeral flag, a three-volley salute by the Marine Corps League Detachment 1311 of Woodstock, and the playing of echo taps—elements that together created a powerful tribute to those who never returned home.

Attending this commemoration allowed our Chapter to reaffirm its dedication to remembering all who have defended our nation’s liberty and to express our ongoing respect for Vietnam-era veterans and their families.