Vietnam War Memorial

Chelmsford Aiming to Honor Vietnam Vets
Seeking Help to Raise 20G
Vietnam Memorial Dedicated

VIETNAM WAR MEMORIAL 

Vinal Square, North Chelmsford

The Vietnam War Memorial obelisk is made of black African granite and honors four Chelmsford residents who died during the Vietnam War.  The shape of the monument, a miniature version of the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D. C., was chosen because historically the obelisk has served as a symbol of honor.  Engraved on four sides, the monument honors those who served during the war and those who perished, provides dates of the Vietnam War, depicts the medallion attached to the Vietnam War Medal, names the four soldiers who perished, provides emblems for each of the five branches of military service, and includes the fourth stanza of Laurence Binyon's poem, For the Fallen.  

The four soldiers who perished and who are honored on this monument include:

                                                John F. Bettencourt     United States Army

                                                Kenneth R. Hughes     United States Army

                                                Peter V. Blazonis        United States Army

                                                James A. Doughty       United States Army

Laurence Binyon's poem reads:

THEY SHALL NOT GROW OLD. 

AS WE THAT ARE LEFT GROW OLD: AGE SHALL NOT WEARY THEM, NOR THE YEARS CONDEMN. AT THE GOING DOWN OF THE SUN 

AND IN THE MORNING 

WE SHALL REMEMBER THEM. 

Engraved above the poem is the Prisoner of War/Missing in Action insignia used by the military to honor those soldiers.

In Honor of Those From Chelmsford Who Served . . . The Vietnam Memorial is flanked by two stone benches for visitors to sit and remember.

In Honor of Those From Chelmsford Who Served . . . The Vietnam Memorial is flanked by two stone benches for visitors to sit and remember.