Local Vietnam Vets Honored At War Memorial
by Kim Glovas
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The Korean War Memorial and the Vietnam War Memorial in Philadelphia both held ceremonies marking the Memorial Day holiday. And for the first time in 13 years, two names were added to the Vietnam War "Wall."
The names of Master Sargeant Francis Corcoran and Master Sargeant George Wilson were etched into the granite wall, decades after they died as a result of their involvement in Vietnam. Elizabeth Corcoran was there to honor her husband's memory.
"It's very heart warming. It's kind of appropriate that it's done at this later date because now my children and my grandchildren can take part in it," she said.
Ann Corcoran Patela is the youngest of Corcoran's eight children.
"It's overwhelming, ya know, not knowing my father. I was 3 when he passed, so never really understanding it until as we got older and realized the importance and the sacrifice that he made along with all the other veterans, that this is amazing," she said.
Wilson's son Frank says this was a long time coming.
"Very humbled and honored and thought it was definitely time for it to happen, and it was from the hard work of several individuals that did what they needed to do and I appreciate what they did," he said.
Mike Daily, executive director of the Vietnam Memorial, says this provides closure for these local men and their families.
"Now, it's like a true welcome home, come to their final resting place," he said.
