ALEXANDRIA, VA-At 11 a.m. on Memorial Day, people gathered at Captain Rocky Versace Plaza and Vietnam Memorial to remember this city’s and the nation’s fallen heroes. Sixty-eight soldiers from Alexandria fought and died in the Vietnam War, including Capt. Humbert Roque “Rocky” Versace.
“Many of you are aware that what we now know as Memorial Day was originally called, “Decoration Day”, and marked the solemn day to decorate the graves of the Fallen from America’s Civil War,” said Kevin Rue, Master of Ceremonies. He then explained how Memorial Day has evolved, especially in light of the recent conflicts in American history.
This memorial has been held for over two decades. Miss Arlington, Madison Whitbeck, and Catherine Cassidy sang for the assembled crowd, who heard “America the Beautiful” and “The Star-Spangled “Banner.” Lt. Col. Steve Tracy performed “Taps.”
The ceremony consisted of a dozen parts. There was complete silence during the reading of the names of Alexandrians KIA or MIA. Every service branch was represented. A service member from each read the names of those in the same branch.
The Friends of Captain Rocky Versace, the event’s hosts, raised the statue in 2002. They will continue to host the event as a reminder of the lives lost in Vietnam and all American wars.
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