Veterans Day 1998 found 30+ DQS Vets attending and participating in the ceremonies held at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial - 'the Wall'. Several family members traveled to D.C. with their DQS Vet. We always appreciate and enjoy their presence and support!

Three wreathes - I Duster, I Quad & I Searchlight - were placed in display at the 'Wall' during the Wreath Laying Ceremony by these DQS Vets in honor of our fallen comrades. The names of approximately 200 DQS soldiers are inscribed on the black granite of this hallowed structure. We always feel honored to be able to participate in this solemn ceremony. It is a time of reflection, remembrance and pride, which always leaves us humbled.

Among the speakers at this year's ceremony were Togo West - Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Diane Carlsen-Evans - Founder and President of the Vietnam Women's Memorial Project, Dorothy 'Dottie' Beatty - who served as a nurse in Vietnam, Admiral William Crowe - Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Brig. Gen. George Price. Audrey Landers (of TV, movie, recording and etc. note) who sang 'When The White Dove Flies Alone' and Graham Nash (formerly of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young) performed musical selections.

Honored during these ceremonies was DQS Vet John Devlin. John (B-1/44 68-69), who is from Pittsburgh, Pa., volunteers approximately 800 hours a year to the National Park Service, serving at or near the 'Wall'. He has performed this service for a number of years and is joined in this endeavor by his wife. John placed a wreath from the National Park Service at the 'Wall'. It was great to witness a DQS Vet being honored in this way! We commend John for his devotion and his service!!

Prior to the ceremonies the DQS contingent formed up and half-stepped to Panel 13W to offer a salute to DQS MoH Recipient Mitchell Stout.

Our appreciation and a hearty "THANKS!" go to Joe Belardo for, again, coordinating our participation in these ceremonies and other activities we enjoyed while visiting D.C.

Several of our group attended the ceremonies that the Marine Corps holds at the Iwo Jima Memorial on November 10 to commemorate the Birthday of the Corps. This is always marked by precision and pageantry and was especially enjoyable this year due to the playing of several Sousa Marches and the messages shared by the speakers

We attended the Delta to the DMZ Dance and were pleased to be able to attend another function held by the Vietnam Women's Memorial Project at which they 'burned the mortgage' for the Vietnam Women's Memorial. It was good to be able to share this special moment with these ladies who shared the Vietnam experience with us! To them we offer our thanks and admiration!

Speaking of admiration, we wish to note that the ever vigilant DQS'er Moe Strader took time during the festivities to engage in negotiations with a new acquaintance who has experience in entertaining at reunions and various other functions.