A simple phrase is chiseled in stone on the base of the new Kent County Vietnam Memorial in Dover, unveiled Nov. 11.
“All gave some. Some gave all.”
Carved above that succinct and powerful inscription are the names of 26 men from this community who gave the most they could in fighting that war.
It was in honor of them and in celebration of the monument that will stand as a testament to their deeds that hundreds filled the Kent County Levy Court chambers to witness the dedication of the memorial.
Though inclement weather forced the ceremony inside, the rain did not dampen the spirit of pride and appreciation expressed by the collection of speakers present for the occasion.
“We mourn their absence, we honor their service, we recognize their sacrifice,” said retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Jon Reynolds. “It’s never too late, and you can never say it too much or too often. May their sacrifice never be forgotten. May they rest in peace.”
Reynolds, who spent seven years and 76 days as a prisoner of war after his plane was shot down over Vietnam, also thanked the Kent County chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America for their hard work in making the memorial a reality.
The group spent the better part of a decade raising money to construct the monument, but chapter President Joseph Startt Jr. said the effort and time were more than worth it.
“We’ve got to have something for the 26 who died,” he told the crowd, holding back tears. “There’s nothing here in Dover or Kent County and we’ve got to have something. They died for us.”
Judy Campbell, who represented the families of those who lost loved ones in combat, said the memorial serves an important purpose for the community.
“Many may ask, ‘Why another memorial?’” she said. “My reply would be, out of sacrifice comes freedom, and it is our obligation to remember.”
After the ceremony an Army bugler played “Taps.” Many filtered out of the chamber and walked the short distance to the memorial, which sits along South Little Creek Road, adjacent to the Levy Court administration complex.
A cold wind whipped rain around the stone monument and through the flags flying at half-staff beside it.
Men, women and children approached the memorial and ran their fingers over the engraved names.
Some knew the men whose names they touched. Others did not.
