November 29 through December 3 of 2001 were momentous days in Port O’Connor as the Traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial was on display at King Fisher Beach and was visited by thousands. The following report, compiled by Joyce Rhyne and written by Margaret Jennings was published in the December 14, 2001 issue of Dolphin Talk. We hope it brings back the memory of that great occasion to those who were privileged to be there, and gives a glimpse of the profound affect “The Wall” has on millions.
The Incredible Wall
The weather did not cooperate for the advent of the Vietnam Traveling Wall in Port O’Connor. Two exquisitely planned outdoor ceremonies were moved to the school gym to escape the cold wind, rain, and generally disagreeable conditions. But perhaps this only served to remind participants that the men and women they had come together to honor did not have that option.
The Opening Ceremony:
The opening ceremony was held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 29, 2001. In addition to local and visiting dignitaries, it was attended by busloads of area school students.
The Jackson/Roosevelt Elementary School (Port Lavaca) Choir performed several patriotic songs, and the members of the physical education enrichment class performed a ribbon routine while the choir sang one of its songs.
Kenneth Finster, County Commissioner Precinct 4, was Master of Ceremonies. In his opening remarks, he said, “I hope you feel the positive power of The Wall.” Referring to Henry Pongratz, who was instrumental in bringing The Wall to Port O’Connor, he remarked, “If Henry wants to bring the Battleship Texas to Port O’Connor, he will figure out how to get it down here.”
Pastor Kim of Seadrift Catholic Church spoke about his involvement during the war in Saigon.
Henry Pongratz spoke briefly, asking people to, “Remember, not just a name, but a person doing a job for his country.”
County Judge Arlene Marshall reviewed some staggering statistics: Vietnam was America’s longest war; there are over 58,000 names on The Wall; the average age of the solder was 19. She added, “It was the vision and determination of Henry Pongratz that brought The Wall here.”
The main address was by Col. William (Dixie) Howell, USAF (Ret), who has lived permanently in Port O’Connor since 1987. He was the last commanding officer of Matagorda Island Air Force Base when it closed June 30, 1978. He flew in the first B52 Raid (30 ships) over South Vietnam on June 18, 1965. He reminded his audience, “The Wall That Heals is called that because of the way returning vets were treated. Patriotism as we know it today didn’t exist back then. You and I have a duty to keep it going.”
Posting and retiring of the colors was performed by Calhoun County JJAEP. Leroy Belk led the Pledge of Allegiance. Pastor Kim gave the invocation and the Rev. Janna Sandidge of Seadrift United Methodist Church gave the benediction.
Memorial Service:
A community-wide memorial service honoring veterans of all wars and the men and women who are now serving our country was held at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, December 2, at the First Baptist Church.
Justice of the Peace Nancy Pomykal, who chaired the publicity committee and who worked with unflagging dedication throughout the planning of this project, introduced the opening speaker, US Congressman Ron Paul.
Paul believes that the Constitution was divinely inspired. He said, “It is time to rethink what freedom really means. Men and women put time, effort and their lives in defense of liberty. If we follow precepts of our Constitution, we can have our liberty without giving up our freedom.”
Judge Pomykal then recognized VIP’s in attendance: Texas State Rep. Gene Seaman and his wife Ellen; Commissioner Kenneth Finster, Joe Krenek, president of the POC Chamber of Commerce, and his wife Theresa; Mrs. Linda Anderson (Linda and her husband John are site managers who travel with The Wall); General Rutherford and his wife, and Henry Pongratz.
Dorothy Shafernocker of Fort Worth, who was here with the War Museum, read two poems written by her son, whose name appears on the wall. (There wasn’t a dry eye in the house.)
The message was brought by Pastor Erny McDonough of Fisherman’s Chapel, who chose the 23rd Psalm as his text.
Pastor Gerry Davis of First Baptist Church gave the invocation. Special music was provided by Doyle Adams, Debbie Michalek and Erny McDonough.
The Closing Ceremony:
The grandest and most formal of the events was the closing ceremony held on Sunday, December 2, beginning at 2:00 p.m.
The Master of Ceremonies, Dr. Robert Wolters, introduced the Air Force Band of the West, Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, and the audience was treated to a 25-minute concert.
Colors were posted by a Color Guard consisting of all members of all branches of military service. After the Pledge of Allegiance, the invocation was given by Brother Tim Smith, First Assembly of God Church, Seadrift.
The Master of Ceremonies recognized VIP’s present. Texas State Representative Gene Seaman spoke briefly. Referring to the terrorism situation, he said, “We’re brought back to our roots: God and country.”
The principal speaker of the afternoon was General Robert Rutherford (Retired). He pointed out that there have been 12 major wars in the U.S. since its beginning. Five of these have been in the general’s lifetime. He said: “We believe, above all else, in freedom from tyranny. What would our lives be like if for the past 200 years America had not committed its wealth, resources and energy to freedom?”
He received a standing ovation.
While the band played a medley of theme songs for each branch of service, each veteran present was asked to stand when his music was played. All branches were well represented, and the applause was thunderous.
The Rev. Don Casper, First Baptist Church, Seadrift, gave the benediction, and the band furnished a musical finale.
