January 27, 2020 - The Paris Peace Accord ending the Vietnam War was signed on January 27, 1973, and was followed by the withdrawal of the remaining American troops on March 29, 1973. The terms of the accord called for a complete ceasefire in South Vietnam, allowed North Vietnamese forces to retain the territory they had captured, release of US prisoners of war, and called for both sides to find a political solution to the conflict. As an enticement to South Vietnam, President Nixon offered US air power to enforce the peace terms (this was stopped in December 1974 when Congress cut off all military aid to South Vietnam).
More than 58,000 Americans gave their lives in the Vietnam War and there are still 1,587 missing in action.
In observance of the 47th Anniversary of the Peace Accord, Shelby County Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8904 and the Auxiliary will host a Memorial Observance for those who served in the Vietnam War. A wreath laying will take place at 10:00 a.m., Monday, January 27th, 2020 at the Veterans Memorial on the grounds of the 1885 Historic Shelby County Courthouse.
The names of eleven Shelby County Veterans who were killed in action during the Vietnam War will be read. They are: Ted W. Adams, William L. “Shorty” Andrews, Jimmy Barnett, Mac Curtis Buckley, Larry Byford, Ray Chatelain, Jr., William H. Eaden, Jerry Lynn Hughes, Taylor D. Johnson, Samuel R. Lynch and Calvin Patrick. Also, John B. Lightfoot who was killed in a training accident while preparing to deploy to Vietnam.
As always, the public is cordially invited. Questions call Post Quartermaster Larry Hume at 936-598-2976.
