Eagle Scout’s Project Remembers Vietnam War Vets Who Died After Serving

WILDWOOD – Sean McBride’s Eagle Scout project touched veterans of the Vietnam Veterans Chapter 955 and others. No longer will veterans be forgotten, who returned home and later died as a result of their service, are remembered at the Vietnam Memorial Wall, Burk and Ocean avenues.
The North Wildwood 18-year-old, a member of Boy Scout Troop 185, son of Jack and Janet McBride, unveiled the monument Nov. 21.
To all who attended, McBride’s project, like the memorial wall itself, held different meanings for each family member or friend who served. Freeholder E. Marie Hayes recalled her brother Stanley, who served in the Army, and who, on return from the war, was never the same person, and who died as a result of Agent Orange. Hayes choked up frequently as she recounted the brother she loved who served and is now departed.
Wildwood Mayor Ernie Troiano said McBride’s project, at the southern end of the memorial wall, is “Just as important to the city as the beach and the Boardwalk.”
The mayor addressing McBride said, “You are the future,” and lauded his efforts as a “shining example” on behalf of the city.
North Wildwood Councilperson Peggy Bishop presented McBride with a city resolution attesting to the work he did on behalf of veterans.
Harry Weimer, commander, American Legion Post 184, told McBride the project “Has so much meaning for the members of the post for those who served in a war that the government called a crisis.”
William Davenport, president, Vietnam Veterans Chapter 955, cited the high mortality of the chapter’s members, who are largely in their 60s, many as a result of their time spent in country of Vietnam. Many suffered the effects of Agent Orange, a defoliant that was widely used to eradicate enemy positions.
Tim Chester, troop master of Troop 185, presented McBride with a blue Eagle Scout neckerchief, then placed it around his neck.
Janet McBride thanked all who had a part in her son’s project, after she placed the Eagle pin on his uniform. She and her husband were similarly honored with pins as parents of an Eagle Scout.
Finally, McBride, after expressing his gratitude to everyone who helped make the project a reality, unveiled the shrouded monument that is surrounded by stones and a fence.
The monument is engraved: “In memory of the men and women who served in the Vietnam War and later died as a result of their service. We honor and remember their service.”