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QUANTICO, Va. (9/25/2012) – In the early hours of Jan. 21, 1968,
the North Vietnamese Army attacked the outpost of Khe Sanh with a
shower of bullets and artillery that instantly killed 18 Marines and
injured 40 more. Thus began the Battle of Khe Sanh, the longest and
second deadliest battle of the Vietnam War. Marines, sailors and
soldiers held the isolated airstrip in the Quang Tri province for 77
days before breaking through and allowing supplies to reach the
siege-worn men.
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Marines and sailors with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit hold a welcoming ceremony for the Khe Sanh Veterans Inc. reunion at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Quantico, Va., Aug. 30, 2012. The 22nd MEU spent time exchanging experiences with and learning from veterans who served at Khe Sanh. Photo by USMC Sgt. Amber Blanchard
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Khe Sanh Veterans Inc., is an organization created to
commemorate the service members who served in the Khe Sanh
Combat Base and tactical area of operations from 1962 to
1972. Marines with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit
welcomed these veterans to their annual reunion at the
National Museum of the Marine Corps in Quantico, Va., Aug.
30, 2012.
The Khe Sanh veterans and their families
took the opportunity to share their experiences with the
young Marines and sailors of the MEU.
Retired Lt.
Gen. Ron Christmas, president of the Marine Corps Heritage
Foundation greeted the Marines and sailors of the MEU.
“I would like to welcome you to your museum,” said Ron
Christmas. “This is dedicated to every Marine who has ever
served and their heritage.”
When the Khe Sanh
Marines, sailors and families arrived, the officers of Khe
Sanh Veterans Inc., took a moment to recognize current
members and remember the Marines who since passed.
“We remember these people that have passed away from our
units, especially Khe Sanh,” said Ron Rayner, chaplain for
Khe Sanh Veterans Inc. “There were over 2,100 guys killed
from the Khe Sanh area from 1962-1972, and they did it for
us ... We owe it to them to live a good life.”
After
the opening ceremonies, Col. James D. Christmas, commanding
officer of the 22nd MEU, greeted the Khe Sanh Marines and
encouraged them to share their stories with the young
Marines.
“Most of my Marines have served in combat
now multiple times,” said James Christmas. “But they don't
know the rest of the story. You are the rest of the story.
You've been in combat, you came back from combat and you
lived the rest of your lives, and you've lived them
successfully ... those in uniform today appreciate you, for
you made us. You made us who we are and what we are today.”
Marines of the 22nd MEU enjoyed interacting with the Khe
Sanh veterans and exchanging stories with their brothers.
“It was a good time, it felt motivating and
encouraging,” said Sgt. Christopher Williams, a motor
transport mechanic with the 22nd MEU, and a New York City
native. “It makes you appreciate everything they did in the
past so we can have the future we have today.”
More photos below
By USMC Sgt. Amber Blanchard
Provided
through DVIDS
Copyright 2012
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