Episode 3315 – How Vietnam Vets are honored in West Frankfort, Illinois

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The new headstone honoring Lance Cpl. Rionald Dean Rogers stand at Tower Heights Cemetery in West Frankfort. [Paul Wilcoxen]

Episode 3315 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about how Vietnam Vets were honored at West Frankfort, Illinois. The story is titled: Ceremony gives Vietnam veterans long-overdue recognition. It appeared on the Southern Illinoisan website and was submitted by Paul Wilcoxen.        .

Wilcoxen reported in his story that the upcoming memorial ceremony in West Frankfort is far more than the dedication of a headstone—it is a heartfelt tribute to the courage, sacrifice, and enduring legacy of America’s Vietnam veterans, especially the United States Marines who served with extraordinary valor. What began as an effort to place a permanent marker on the grave of Lance Cpl. Ronald Dean Rogers has grown into a community-wide expression of gratitude for all local service members who fought in Vietnam and for those who never returned.

Lance Cpl. Rogers, a 1968 West Frankfort Community High School graduate, gave his life in Quang Tri Province on August 31, 1969, at just 19 years old. Like thousands of Marines who fought in Vietnam, he answered his nation’s call without hesitation. Marines earned a reputation throughout the war for their relentless determination, fierce combat skills, and unwavering commitment to one another. Whether defending remote outposts, battling through dense jungles, or enduring brutal engagements near the Demilitarized Zone, they embodied the Marine Corps’ proud tradition of honor, courage, and commitment.

Inspired by longtime friend Danny Ramsey’s determination to provide Rogers with the headstone he deserved, community members rallied together through fundraisers and generous donations. Their efforts expanded into a larger ceremony honoring every West Frankfort resident who died in Vietnam while also recognizing the veterans who returned home, many of whom never received the welcome they deserved.

The ceremony serves as a reminder that the Vietnam generation, now in their later years, deserves lasting respect and gratitude. By honoring these Marines and all Vietnam veterans, West Frankfort ensures their sacrifices will never be forgotten, preserving their legacy for future generations who will remember the price they paid for freedom.

Listen to episode 3315 and discover more about how Vietnam Vets were honored at West Frankfort, Illinois.