LEESBURG, Va. – April 6, 2025—On March 29, 2025, the Vietnam War Veterans Day Commemoration took place at the Loudoun County Courthouse, honoring Vietnam Veterans and their sacrifices. A joint Color Guard, composed of members from Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 1177, Sgt Major John Champe Chapter SAR (SMJC), and the Marine Corps League of Loudoun County, presented and posted the colors to open the proceedings.

A bell provided by Sgt Major John Champe compatriot Warner Workman was rung after each name of twelve Loudoun County residents killed in Vietnam were read. A three-shot rifle salute and Taps were executed by members of VFW Post 1177 in honor of all Vietnam Veterans.

Following the reading of the names of twelve Loudoun County residents killed in Vietnam, a bell—provided by Sgt Major John Champe compatriot Warner Workman—was solemnly rung after each name. The ceremony included a three-shot rifle salute and the playing of Taps by members of VFW Post 1177, paying tribute to all Vietnam Veterans.

The SMJC also provided a missing man table and raised the POW/MIA flag to honor the 1,582 servicemen missing or unaccounted for in the Vietnam theater of operations. Prominent attendees included Virginia SAR President Michael Weyler, a Vietnam Veteran; Leesburg Mayor Kelly Burk; Loudoun County Sheriff Mike Chapman; Chair of Loudoun County Board of Supervisors Phyllis Randall; and Broad Run District Supervisor Sylvia Glass.

Guest speaker Andrew Wilson, Captain, U.S. Army, delivered a poignant address reflecting on his service as a Ranger and the challenges he endured after being severely wounded in Vietnam.

Photo #1: Bell in front of the Vietnam War Memorial with SMJC Chapter President Barry Schwoerer and SMJC Compatriot Richard Ryan