February 2, 2016 - The Vietnam Peace Accord of 1973 was observed at the Shelby County Courthouse by VFW Post 8904 Veterans and Auxiliary Wednesday, January 27, 2016.
Leading the ceremony was Larry Hume, Post Quartermaster, who recited a history of the accord, which read as follows:
The Paris Peace Accords ended the fighting in Vietnam, it was signed 42 years ago on January 27, 1973 and was followed by the withdrawal of the remaining American troops. The terms of the accord called for a complete cease fire in south Vietnam. It allowed north Vietnamese forces to retain the territory they had captured, release U.S. prisoners of war, and called for both sides to find a political solution to the conflict. As an enticement, the United States, President Nixon offered air power to enforce the peace terms; however, this was stopped in December of 1974 when Congress cut off all military aid to south Vietnam and all was lost.
"More than 58,000 Americans gave their lives in the Vietnam War, and there's still 1,624 missing in action. This is 12 less than there was at this time last year, as our POW/MIA accounting teams continue to search around the world where there are missing Americans," said Hume.
The Vietnam War claimed the lives of nine of Shelby County's own, and their names were read by Post and Auxiliary members Becky Maidic, Mary Fausett, and Mike Langford.
A memorial wreath was hung on the Shelby County Veterans Memorial by U.S. Army Vietnam Veteran Neal Woodfin. Taps was then sounded as presented by Mike Langford.
Shelby County Servicemen Killed in Action in Vietnam William Henry Eaden, killed in action on November 12, 1965. His name on the Vietnam Memorial can be found at Panel 3 East, Line 42. Ted Wane Adams, killed in action on November 15, 1966. His name on the Vietnam Memorial can be found at Panel 12 East, Line 76. Taylor D. Johnson, killed in action on January 28, 1966. His name on the Vietnam Memorial can be found at Panel 4 East, Line 103. William Larry "Shorty" Andrews, killed in action on February 16, 1967. His name on the Vietnam Memorial can be found at Panel 15 East, Line 38. Larry Stephen Byford, killed in action on June 23, 1967. His name on the Vietnam Memorial can be found at Panel 22 East, Line 52. Jerry Lynn Hughes, killed in action on July 12, 1967. His name on the Vietnam Memorial can be found at Panel 23 East, Line 59. Ray A. Chatelain, killed in action on July 30, 1967. His name on the Vietnam Memorial can be found at Panel 24 East, Line 50. Jimmy D. Barnett, killed in action on March 26, 1968. His name on the Vietnam Memorial can be found at Panel 46, Line 28. Mac Curtis Buckley, killed in action on July 5, 1968. His name on the wall can be found at Panel 53, Line 16.
