Tarrant County Vietnam Memorial Foundation Inc.

 

The Vietnam War was a challenging time in American history. It took a heavy toll on the collective psyche and for the first time in our Nations’ history, service members came back to a divided and often ungrateful nation. Some who served then have yet to be welcomed home, while others made the ultimate sacrifice.

 During the Vietnam War (1955–1975), the average age of death for U.S. military personnel was just 23 years old. A staggering 60% of the soldiers killed were between the ages of 18 and 21. These young lives were cut short, leaving an indelible mark not only on their families but on the entire nation. 

 The legacy of these lost individuals becomes a vital part of the community’s collective history. Even if their families never meet those who remember them, the community's acknowledgment of their sacrifice—through monuments, stories, or rituals—shapes the emotional climate. This can give rise to feelings of pride, respect, and a deep sense of shared purpose.

 A memorial is crucial for this very reason—it serves as a lasting reminder of those who gave everything for a cause greater than themselves. It provides a space for reflection and remembrance, allowing future generations to learn from the past and honor those who have sacrificed so much. Without a memorial, there is a risk that these sacrifices could fade into the background of history, diminishing the importance of the values they represent. The most meaningful way we can honor their legacy is by ensuring they are never forgotten. The absolute worst thing we can do is allow their stories to slip away with time.

 Approximately 9 years ago Jim Hodgson, Chairman of the Fort Worth Aviation Museum, envisioned a memorial honoring all Vietnam and Vietnam era personnel who never returned home. In 2020, a memorial design contest engaged local schools, leading to former Brewer High School student,  Ryan Scieneaux’s winning submission, featuring a memorial tree with leaves listing the Tarrant County residents who died serving during that era.

 Incorporated as a 501(c)(3) in July 2022, the Tarrant County Vietnam Memorial Foundation aims to honor the men and women who died during or due to the Vietnam War. Using the Vietnam Memorial in Washington DC, we have identified over 237 Tarrant County residents who did not return from Vietnam. We seek community help to identify those who died from post-war related causes, such as Agent Orange

 Our intent is to Bring Awareness to the men and women who died in or as a result of, the 20-year conflict in Southeast Asia known as the Vietnam War. 

 Among the 239 heroes, there are:

• 168 Men from Fort Worth communities, 
• 23 from Arlington
• 4 from Hurst
• 2 each from Azle, Bedford and Kennedale
• 1 each from Burleson, Colleyville, Grand Prairie, Richland Hills, and White settlement
• 31 from across the nation that are buried in Tarrant County Cemeteries 
• some of these are from other communities I know of one such hero for sure that attended Everman High School and had a home of Record as Fort Worth. I am sure there are many that fall into this category, potentially even a few from your community.
• 1 Medal of Honor Recipient – Robert Law (Fort Worth)
• 2 Distinguished Service Cross recipients – Lewis Bell (Fort Worth), Gonzalo Villasenor (Fort Worth)
• 2 Air Force Cross recipients – Eugene Clay (Arlington), Jack Weatherby (Fort Worth)
• 6 Silver Star recipients – David Able (Fort Worth), Eugene Clay (Arlington), John Hughes Jr (Fort Worth), David Scott (Fort Worth), Earl Tidwell (Arlington), John Yeatts (Fort Worth)
• Numerous Bronze Stars and countless untold stories of heroism and sacrifice

 The foundation in collaboration with Artist Michal Pavlovsky and Landscape designer Nick Nelson of TNP  have refined the original design to reduce maintenance cost, avoid pilfering of the memorial leaves, and reduce the desire to climb the memorial tree. The updated design is as follows:

1. Circular granite edifice, 11.5’ diameter, 4.5’ tall
2. 9 side panels representing years 1965-1972, plus MIA/Post-war deaths
3. Panels list fallen by rank, name, branch, and year of death
4. Upper horizontal panels with etched leaf shapes matching names below
5. 4’ tall stainless-steel tracery of vines symbolizing new life and hope
6. Downward-pointing ancient Sparta-like sword symbolizing fallen warriors
7. Surrounded by a memorial brick area with 5 granite benches
8. Entry walk flanked by granite walls detailing the memorial, war, major donors, and military branches
9. POW/MIA Flag
10. Uplighting at night for panels, tracery, and sword
11. Located near the west end of Veterans Memorial Park

To date, over $85,000 has been raised towards our $355,000 goal. The City of Fort Worth is Matching 50% up to $200,000, We rely on citizens, civic groups, and local businesses for support.

Are you willing to help?