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Contact: Audrey Jones (202) 225-4465

Congressman Garrett Honors Veterans in Ceremony at NJ Vietnam Veterans Memorial


Washington, May 5 -

Yesterday, Congressman Scott Garrett participated in a memorial ceremony at the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Holmdel, NJ. The day marks the 52nd anniversary of the defeat of French troops at Dienbienphu, a battle that led to the withdrawal of the French from Indochina and, ultimately, to the introduction of U.S. troops in Vietnam. New Jersey has commemorated this day since 1991.

“The freedom we enjoy today comes from the sacrifice and fortitude of many brave young men and women,” said Garrett. “It was deeply humbling for me to participate in this ceremony honoring these veterans. As I continue to work in Congress on behalf of our nation’s veterans, I am sobered once again with the precious price of liberty.”

Three New Jersey Vietnam veterans had their names added to the memorial for yesterday’s ceremony. One of the veterans, Private First Class Douglas J. Weiss, was from Upper Saddle River. He was killed in battle providing cover for other soldiers in his platoon, posthumously earning him a Bronze Star.

Congressman Garrett also spoke at the Jewish War Veterans Annual Legislative Breakfast in Iselin, NJ. A copy of Congressman Garrett’s remarks from the memorial ceremony in Holmdel are reprinted below.

***

Good morning. It is indeed a great privilege to be with you all today to honor the service of the more than 200,000 New Jerseyans during the Vietnam War. I am humbled to be in the presence of so many real heroes and surrounded by the memories of so many of your fallen comrades.

While our nation must never forget the sacrifices all veterans have made to protect our bright torch of freedom, today is a fitting day to pay special tribute to the service of our Vietnam vets. On this date in 1954, the French withdrew their troops from Indochina after suffering a crushing defeat at Dienbienphu at the hands of the Viet Minh. The destabilization of that region and the rise of Communism to fill the void would ultimately lead to the conflict that would send you overseas. A peninsula in Asia that had seemed so distant and so far removed from our lives here in the United States would leave an indelible imprint on our nation’s history and on the souls of hundreds of thousands of American heroes.

In particular, today, we honor 3 fallen heroes of that conflict: First Lieutenant Harold L. Cheadle, Jr. of Millburn, Second Lieutenant Robert H. Crum of Essex Falls, and Private First Class Douglas J. Weiss, who hails from my Congressional District, in Upper Saddle River. All three displayed true patriotism, a heroic spirit, and a dedication to their fellow soldiers and Marines. But, I’d like to take a moment to speak specifically to the selfless service of Private First Class Weiss.

Private First Class Weiss was not quite 20 years old when he died in battle in Bong Son, South Vietnam. Among the many medals and citations he received is a Bronze Star, which he earned during the engagement which cost him his life. On May 6, 1966 – forty years ago yesterday, Private First Class Weiss and his company approached a small village and came under enemy weapons fire. As his platoon maneuvered to covered positions, this brave young Private disregarded his own safety and returned fire from an exposed position, giving his brothers in arms the opportunity to maneuver under cover and ultimately neutralize the enemy force. As his Bronze Star citation reads,

“His outstanding display of aggressiveness, devotion to duty, and personal bravery is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.”

To the loved ones that Private First Class Douglas J. Weiss left behind and to the fellow soldiers he clearly loved so dearly, you must know how very blessed you are to have been touched by the life of so true a spirit of service and a powerful a force for good.

Let me close by sharing with you all the profound impact that Douglas Weiss and Harold Cheadle and Robert Crum and, indeed, each of you, have had on my life and career, even without our ever having met. It is your faces, and the faces of each your fallen brothers who could not be here today, that I see each time I cast a vote in the chamber of the House of Representatives. Because it is your sacrifice that gave us the freedom to speak freely, to debate without fear, to determine our fate as a people. Thank you all for what you have given our great nation and the world. And, may God continue to walk by your side for all the years to come.


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