Post #35 To honor Vietnam Veterans

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By Liz Premo, Atlantic News Staff Writer

Atlantic News, Friday, March 16, 2007

[The following article is courtesy of the Atlantic News]
American Legion Emblem

HAMPTON -- Plans are in the works for the long-awaited recognition of two Hampton Army Veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country during the Vietnam War.

First Lt. Bruce W. Brown and SP4 Mark L. Brown (no known relation) will be honored during a Vietnam Veterans Memorial Weekend conducted by Hamptons American Legion Post #35.

Post #35 Commander, Ralph Fatello, has extended an invitation to the public to take part in the remembrance during a pair of dedication ceremonies which will be conducted on Sunday, April 29.

The date coincides with the 32nd anniversary of Operation Frequent Wind, the final US military operation in Vietnam conducted in 1975.

"There will be two separate observances," according to Fatello. "The first will be held for Mark L. Brown at the Marston School field at 11 a.m. The second will be held [for Bruce Brown] at the marine pier at Hampton Harbor at 1 p.m."

A recipient of the Silver Star and the Bronze Star for bravery, Bruce Brown was killed in action in 1968. Mark Brown, also a Bronze Star recipient, was killed in action a year later.

Also planned for this weekend of honorary observances will be a time of recognition for all Vietnam Veterans from the Seacoast area.

Guest speakers on the program include CSM Fred Muscara (USA-Ret.), Major Fred Rice (USA, Special Forces), Cpl. Paul Fitzgerald (USMC); and Hampton Fire Chief Hank Lipe (USCG), as well as other special guests.

Refreshments will be served during a gathering at the marina following the final service. More about this Vietnam Veterans Memorial Weekend can be found at www.post35.com.

Also on the duty roster for Post #35 is the current sale of a DVD featuring a documentary about the Legion's Global War on Terrorism monument, installed last year on the front lawn of the Legion Hall on High Street.

Inscribed with the names of those New Hampshire military personnel who died in service to their country since September 11, 2001, the impressive slab of granite was dedicated five years later during a well-attended and solemn ceremony.

Described as "a very moving piece of local history," the 75-minute documentary not only includes a moving series of comments from those Legionnaires who were closest to the monument project, but also the dedication ceremony itself.

Still photography and video segments are enhanced with dialogue, music and sound effects, including the tolling of the memorial bell which signals the beginning of the documentary.

The DVDs are available to the public for a $20 donation; a portion of the proceeds will go toward Post #35's GWOT/ Building Fund. Checks or money orders may be made out to "Adlantic" and mailed in care of Commander Ralph Fatello, 3 Marston Way, Hampton, NH 03842. Donors should include a return address so the DVD can be mailed directly to them. For additional information, visit www.post35.com or call (603) 436-4668.

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