“Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices.”
-Harry S. Truman
Phase One of the Virginia War Memorial Vietnam Veteran project is complete. War Memorial Staff (led by Dr Clay Mountcastle), videographer extraordinaire, Pamela Hart Vines and myself (the photographer) spent three days interviewing, documenting and photographing 26 Virginia Vietnam Veterans for an upcoming exhibit that will feature the stories of 50 Virginians who served in the Vietnam conflict.
The exhibit opens 27 January 2023 at the Virginia War Memorial in Richmond, VA, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Paris Peace Accords.
Phase Two will be in Salem, VA, hosted by the Salem Museum, 13-14 September. The final phase will be in Northern Virginia, hosted by the Fleet Reserve Association in Alexandria, VA, 27-28 September.
“A generation which ignores history has no past and no future.”
-Robert Heinlein
50 Years and Beyond: The Vietnam Veteran Experience
The Virginia War Memorial is planning a new exhibition featuring 50 of Virginia’s Vietnam War veterans. This exhibit will open on January 27, 2023, the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Paris Peace Accords, which were officially titled “Agreement on Ending the War and Restoring Peace in Viet Nam.” They plan to feature candid photos of 50 veterans during their time in Vietnam alongside professional portraits (taken by Laura Hatcher Photography) of those same veterans today–50 years beyond.
2 Comments
Jan 23, 2023, 9:48:29 AM
Laura Hatcher - Hello Mr. Colton, this exhibit is being sponsored by the Virginia War Memorial in Richmond VA. The submission period for this particular project is closed, however the museum is always interested in collecting Veteran stories, I would recommend reaching out to them via their contact page: https://vawarmemorial.org/about/contact-us/
Sincerely Laura
Jan 23, 2023, 9:08:08 AM
Wayne Colton - I am a Viet nam veteran. I have written a book about my Vietnam experience entitled "Vietnam: Our Noble Failure." I also have numerous photos and other memorabilia from my Vietnam experience. What do I need to do to participate in your program? Please advise.