Fifty years ago today, the United States Air Force made its first strike against North Vietnam in what would become known as the Vietnam War. The 50th anniversary of the start of the ground war is exactly one month from today.
By that first strike, two Chattanooga area servicemen already had died in the controversial conflict that would roil the nation for 10 more years, greatly affect two United States presidencies and leave lifelong physical and mental scars on thousands.
Between 1963 and 1971, 57 Hamilton County residents would die in the war. Unless you’re a member of one of the families, their names are not widely known, their sacrifice not marked.
Local, state and national projects are afoot to recognize that sacrifice.
On Thursday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Chattanooga Public Library, relatives and friends of each of the 57 service members are invited to come, bring a photograph of their loved one to be scanned and to record their memories about him with local members of the Chief John Ross Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and Girls Preparatory School (GPS) students.