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Bridge dedicated to Vietnam Vets

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Rhodyspit75

Rhodyspit75

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Yesterday I had the honor of taking part in the dedication of a bridge in Burrillville RI. The bridge was dedicated to two members of A Co 3rd Battalion 12th Infantry 4th Infantry Division who were both from the same small town and were killed within 8 days of each other in March of 1967

I was drafted with these two men along with many other young men on December 1st 1965. Most of us were sent to Ft Lewis Washington to rebuild the 4th Infantry Division to be sent as unit to fight in Vietnam. Many stayed together throughout their time in the Army.

Through the the efforts of some of the Platoon members of Allen McCutcheon and James Blanchard and American Legion Post 88 these fallen soldiers were finally properly memorialized. Allen and Jim's platoon leader Lt Col Bob Nichols made the trip from the state of Washington to be with us for this event. Bob stayed in the army and retired at that rank.

i stayed with the 3rd of the 12th but served in Headquarters Co. Twenty three men from Allen and Jim's unit traveled to attend the dedication. It took too long to honor these men but after 48 years it has been done and done well. I would estimate a crowd of over one hundred watched as we crossed the highway to unveil the permanent marker that through a proclamation unanimously approved by the Rhode Island House and Senate will stand as a reminder of the ultimate sacrifice these two brave men made.
 

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Late to th' party but: About time! I have a couple pals on the DC wall, it should all mean we honor the ones fallen and the ones who went.

Keep yourself safe, Rhodyspit75. And thanks for the post honoring your fellows.

4th ID will be in memory here. There were some from my home of record who sacrificed, as well.

---From one USAF "phlyin' photog" who was lucky to live... and now in "overtime."
 
Glad to see these two men honored. I certainly hope as we see several of the 50th anniversary milestones come up in the next few years that we will see more honors such as this nationwide. I also hope that younger generations will "pick up the torch" as we have done for the dwindling World War II generation to make sure that the Vietnam generation is never forgotten as well.
 
Thanks for posting this. I just drove through there a few days ago, after visiting friends in Pascoag.

Did Admiral Carter attend the ceremony?

Tom
 
Yes Tom Admiral Carter is a native of Burrillville and was 7 years old when Blanchard and McCutcheon were killed. Admiral Carter was one of the speakers.

The bridge dedicated in their memory is in front of Bella restaurant on Rt 102. Bella allowed us to use their grounds for parking and to set up a tent for a ceremony after the dedication. The guests were then served lunch at the restaurant.
 
Good to see my home state honoring those who have fallen.

NutmegCT said:
Thanks for posting this. I just drove through there a few days ago, after visiting friends in Pascoag.
Click to expand...

Wow, someone else knows where Pascoag is! I spent every summer of my life until I was 19 at a summer camp just outside Pascoag. For the uninitiated, Pascoag is pronounced "Passco."
 
Speak to me, brother!

I grew up in those cabins. The last one on the left in the picture is named Robinette and was my cabin when I was a counselor. My mom was the co-administrator of that camp (ECC, the Episcopal Conference Center) for 30 years or so. My home away from home. Every summer of my life from birth to when I was 19 was spent on those 180 acres.

What's your connection?
 
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