Captain McTague: Remember Our Vets, Even After the War

At a time when the United States has more than half a million troops deployed overseas, College Park braved the cold Friday morning to honor them and those who served before. City leaders, veterans, boy scouts and community members gathered at the intersection of U.S. Route 1 and Greenbelt Road for the program organized by the Veterans Memorial Improvement Committee.  

"I love the location," Captain Brian T. McTague, of the United States Coast Guard said. "It's right on a busy intersection, which keeps the veterans visible."

In his keynote address, McTague shared a story from his childhood in Philadelphia of two parents who fought to keep their son from being forgotten. Ensign Paul L. Worrell, a fighter pilot, was shot down in December 1966 and listed as missing in action (MIA). He was officially declared dead in 1978, and the Vietnamese government returned his remains in August 1985, allowing his family to finally bury him. 

But for nearly 20 years his parents maintained, in excellent condition, a sign in their yard reminding passersby of their son. They also became activists going to the Parris peace talks, marching and working with other parents of missing soldiers to raise awareness for the MIA.

McTague said that their sign forced people to remember the Vietnam War even after it was over. He asked that the government and the citizens do the same now with the wars we are fighting. Even when the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are over, veterans will need help re-adjusting to society, finding jobs and treating mental health issues. 

"Let our actions be our signs," McTague said.