The Wall That Heals - South Shore, MA

07/24/2023

5 Years ago this week, we brought this wonderful Wall That Heals to the South Shore and thousands got to come out and remember a friend or family member, share with their kids or grandkids, and mostly, for those who survived, we Welcomed Them Home! We will never forget!

03/29/2023

Dear Vietnam Veteran, Welcome Home

I know that I should have written much sooner. I cannot say why I did not. Possibly out of fear of admitting to myself that you were there fighting a war and I was not. Or maybe out of shame because I never accepted the things that you felt you had to do. Whatever it is, I know that it must hurt.

Believe me when I say that it hurts me more. I have the burden of your hurts plus that of my own…the pain of not being able to show my true feelings towards you.

I am not writing this for the many months that you served in Vietnam, but more for the years that you were left alone with only your brother veterans for understanding and company. You served proudly and it went unmentioned.

For a long time, I wanted to express these words, the words that an honorable veteran needs to hear. For a long time I wanted to hold you during your times of pain. God knows I wanted to. And only He knows why I never found the courage. I do not remember what I tried to say, or perhaps I do not want to remember. All I know is that I hope that it is not too late to give you those things now.

For years you tried to be a part of my world. Doing everything to please me, just to be noticed and given a little time and understanding. I look back and see the demands that I placed on your shoulders when you were young. ‘Fight your weakness and always show courage to those around you’ was the advice.

But who was I to make such a demand? I sit here with tears in my heart, finally admitting to myself the one weakness you must have seen in me and never questioned it. My inability to say the words that I know would have meant so much to you. “Welcome Home!”

You have served your country honorably so please hear these words now, from my heart. Please give me a chance to be part of your world now…the world that I should have been part of years ago.

Love,
The United States of America
(Author Unknown)

02/16/2023

Sharing!
54 years ago, February 16, 1969, Dorchester lost a true hero. Tommy Casey was killed in Vietnam while trying to help his fellow Marines who were under intense enemy fire and with some Marines down in the open. Tommy selflessly put himself at great risk to attack the enemy and treat his wounded Brothers.

Tommy didn’t have to go to Vietnam, he had already fulfilled his military obligation, serving an enlistment in the U.S. Navy which included a cruise to Vietnam. When Tommy was discharged from the Navy, and after a brief respite, he enlisted in the Marine Corps. After he completed training he was sent to Vietnam as a rifleman.

Tommy died courageously while trying to help his fellow Marines. Because of his actions on February 16, 1969, Tommy was awarded the Navy Cross, second only to the Medal of Honor. Attached is his Navy Cross Citation.
Tommy’s hero Square is in Peabody Square, directly across from the Fire House.

We’ll never forget you Tommy.

NAVY CROSS CITATION
Thomas M. Casey Jr.

Citation: For extraordinary heroism while serving as a Fire Team Leader with Company D, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the afternoon of 16 February 1969, Company D was assaulting a large North Vietnamese Army force occupying a well-entrenched position in Quang Nam Province. Alertly observing an enemy fortification, Lance Corporal Casey launched a determined assault upon the hostile position, delivering accurate fire as he fearlessly maneuvered across fifty meters of fire-swept terrain. Upon reaching the hostile bunker, he boldly hurled gr***des into it, destroying the North Vietnamese emplacements and killing an enemy soldier. Disregarding his own safety, he went to several casualties, and ignoring the hostile rounds impacting near him, skillfully administered first aid to his wounded comrades. Realizing the need for an M-79 gr***de launcher, he again rushed across the hazardous area and, obtaining the weapon, returned to the point of heaviest contact. When two additional Marines were wounded, he unhesitatingly commenced maneuvering through a hail of fire to assist the injured men, but as he approached the casualties he was mortally wounded. His heroic actions and aggressive fighting spirit inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the lives of several Marines. By his courage, sincere concern for the welfare of his comrades, and selfless devotion to duty, Lance Corporal Casey upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

07/26/2022

Wow where did 4 years go! This was a life changing event built on community and new friendships that are now lifelong! Welcome Home to those who served!

01/26/2021

“77 Letters: Operation Morale Booster: Vietnam” is a recently published book about the unique pen-pal correspondence between a housewife from Scituate, MA, and an American G.I. serving in Vietnam. In March or April, WATD Veteran's Voice | WATD 95.9 FM (959watd.com) will be interviewing Susan Hunter, the book’s author and the daughter of Joan Hunter, the housewife who launched Operation Morale Booster: Vietnam, back in 1966.

Please consider purchasing (link below) and reading “77 Letters” so you can be part of the call-in show when Susan Hunter is interviewed. Once we learn the exact date of the interview with this exceptional author, we will post more information. Stay safe and stay well, everyone!
https://smile.amazon.com/77-Letters-Operation-Booster-Vietnam/dp/1735489301/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=77+letters&qid=1611596219&s=books&sr=1-1

06/09/2020

Remembering our own from Weymouth! Although not added until 1999, actually represents the first to have died in this conflict and one of only 3 father/sons on The Wall who paid the ultimate sacrifice

On this day in 1956, Air Force Technical Sergeant Richard Fitzgibbon Jr. is murdered by a fellow airmen. His name was not inscribed on The Wall until 1999 when the Department of Defense declared November 1, 1955 as the earliest qualifying date for inclusion, making him the first official death of the war.

His son, Richard Fitzgibbon III, also lost his life in the war in 1965. More: bit.ly/2IpcPQP