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MERCEDES, Texas – The Veterans War Memorial located outside of Mercedes City Hall lists the name of the town’s fallen soldiers dating back to World War 1. On the side designated for the Vietnam War the names of 16 soldiers are listed who died defending freedom. On Vietnam War Veterans Day the American Legion J.A. Garcia Post 172 held a roll call for those soldiers to honor and remember their childhood friends who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
“We are honoring all Vietnam War Veterans that gave their lives, and those of us who are still living,” said Tony Sanchez, American Legion J.A. Garcia post commander. “Things like this where we remember our past Veterans, past brothers and sisters helps a lot.”
Sons of American Legion Historian Raul Reyna struck a miniature Liberty Bell replica as each of the names on the War Memorial were called out by Post Commander Tony Sanchez.
The Roll Call included: John Allen, James Dameron, Arturo Garcia, Edelmiro Garcia, Jose Garcia, Raul Garcia, Andres Gonzalez, Adolfo Luna, Isidor Martinez, Pedro Martinez, Guadalupe Prado, Mario Ramirez, Harold Reyes, Eugenio Rodriguez, Rodolfo Saenz and Tomas Marroquin.
Following the Roll Call, Sons of American Legion Post 172 Commander Aurellio Garcia played Taps on the bugle through the avenue in front of City Hall as veterans, families, city leaders, and community members gathered to honor the brave men from Mercedes who gave their lives during the Vietnam War.
The Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017 was signed by 45th U.S. President Donald J. Trump, designating March 29 as National Vietnam War Veterans Day.
According to the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017, March 29 was chosen to be observed in perpetuity as March 29, 1973, was the day the United States Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, was disestablished and the day the last U.S. combat troops departed Vietnam. In addition, on and around this same day, Hanoi released the last of its acknowledged prisoners of war.
