Local Veterans Volunteer to Guard Traveling Vietnam War Memorial

Local veterans from East Contra Costa County continued to put service above self last week as they battled rain and wind to guard a replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall when it was on display in Sacramento last week.

In total, 12 veterans from the Delta Veterans Group, VFW Brentwood, and East County Veterans volunteered their time February 26 through March 2, to stay in Sacramento and provide security. Memorial had 24-hour security.

The Replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall is approximately 250 feet in length, and like the original Memorial, is complete with the 58,249 names of those killed or missing in action from the conflict.

The idea of veterans guarding the wall came with Assemblyman Jim Frazier was in Brentwood at the VFW Hall in December and announced the wall was coming to Sacramento. The cost of security came up and the group was told it was going to be roughly $9,000.

That is when Steve Lopez Todd responded veterans should guard it.

“Veterans would guard it more passionately than any other law enforcement or security company. Nothing was going to happen to it with us watching it,” said Todd. “We were next to the wall the entire time. Why not have veterans guard something for veterans.”

Todd explained that the cost for security was not appropriate so he and others offered a solution and volunteered their time.

“I couldn’t see Assemblyman Jim Frazier paying money for security when we could do it for free. It was our honor to do it for free,” said Todd. “I look at it being a great honor and being included in something that big. The Opening Day Ceremony was awesome and the closing ceremony was very moving. It’s a proud feeling to be a part of it.”

Assemblyman Frazier credited veterans for continuing to serve their country and finding new ways to do it.

“Their duty to service this country continues to remain,” said Frazier. “After I asked them to volunteer without fail they jumped right in to be a part of the project and protect the wall from vandalism.”

According to Todd, attendees came throughout all hours including veterans who came in the middle of the night because they wanted privacy to find their friends and acknowledge their comrades. Todd admitted at one point he was up for 40-straight hours.

“Not only did we provide security, but we also helped usher people to help find names on the wall but also be an ear and provide comfort,” explained Todd.  “The wall was a big wow and was an emotional four days talking with Vietnam Veterans.”

JR Wilson also assisted with security and explained how seeing all those names is very powerful. He couldn’t help but read names and think about their sacrifice.

“It was a great pause for reflection that soldiers gave the ultimate sacrifice and reflection of their sacrifice. Each name was not only a solider but represented a family.” said Wilson. “It was a pause and think what their sacrifice means and what it meant to that family and this country.”

Wilson shared he was proud that three local organizations came together for one cause saying that it wasn’t about any one organization, but it was about standing proud and having an opportunity to honor the fallen.

“Veterans would come at all hours and you can tell the veterans who came at night because  you would watch them drop to their knee and feel the pain they had for the person not being there,” said Wilson.  “It was an absolute honor. Even in the rain and cold, you look pass that to honor their sacrifice for this country.”

Both Todd and Wilson explained the work behind the scenes was great in order to get the replica to Sacramento. For example, many people did not see the National Guard set up the replica. There were also counselors on site for those who needed to speak with someone.

“My job there was a very small part, anyone can do security, we just wanted to make sure that wall was open to everyone and everyone while letting everyone know about it,” said Todd. “In my eyes, the veterans should be there guarding the wall, not anyone else. It means so much more to us to protect our own.”

Todd also thanked Assemblyman Frazier for helping bring the replica to Sacramento.

“I am so thankful Jim Frazier took us up on the offer to guard the wall. He does a lot for veterans and a lot behind the scenes no one knows about. Its wow, it is somebody for the people,” said Todd.

Wilson agrees.

“I have to salute Jim Frazier for bringing it out for those four days and bringing a voice to us veterans. It was awesome. The candlelight ceremony at the end was an awesome reflection, the light spread out to the entire memorial,” said Wilson. “Here we have a guy who gives us an ear; this was confirmation to me that it was more than ear. He really respects and honors the sacrifice of our veterans. That cemented it for me”. 

Frazier says he will continue to support veterans and work on ways to help.  

“Our veterans continue to be part of the giving community. They are not takers, they are givers and I have the utmost respect for all my veterans and we will continue to fight for their quality of life after they have given so much for me,” said Frazier.

Photos by Steve Lopez Todd & Scott Smith