By TR Robertson
One of the original six granite slabs that listed the names of 432 deceased Marines and Sailors killed in action in the Vietnam War has endured a long tale involving being removed, discarded, misplaced, damaged, found, restored and finally now rededicated and awaiting placement in a new permanent location. This 5,500 lb. granite slab was being installed in 2018 as part of the 5th Marine Regiment Vietnam Memorial at Camp San Mateo Memorial Park at Camp Pendleton, a memorial to the 2,705 Marines and Sailors who gave their lives for this country. This particular slab was removed due to a measurement error that made the slab too small, by 2 inches, when compared with the other five. All engraved information on the undersized Memorial Stone was accurate and manufacturing specifications were correct in all other respects, except for the horizontal. The manufacturer, Rock of Ages in Vermont, decided to remove this slab and replace it with a new piece of granite. There is a bit of a mystery as to what happened after the slab was removed as it disappeared for two years until the granite slab was discovered in late 2020, lying flat on a trailer, parked in an equipment storage yard in Ramona, California. The slab, covered in dirt and debris, had suffered severe damage including being defaced, at least sixteen individuals of Unit 3/5 had been obliterated by some type of grinding tool. The granite slab has names on both sides from the 3rd Battalion 5th Marines, Feb. 1968 thru March 1969 and 2nd Battalion 4th Marines, May 2, 1968 thru June 1969, listing names and date they were killed in action – in order of date.
The discovery of this discarded Memorial, by Barry Graham, became a two-year project of dedication to make sure this portion of granite, that was once supposed to be part of a larger Memorial, received a place of dignity honoring the lives of these 432 Marines and Sailors that made the ultimate sacrifice serving with honor for this country. The result of the hard work and dedication of Barry, Josh Willis from Honor Life Memorials and a group of friends has led to the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial Day Rededication of the 5th Marine Regiment Memorial Ceremony.
The Rededication Ceremony was held at the Honor Life Memorials Company on Park Center Drive in Vista. On this misty, rainy morning, a small crowd of Vietnam veterans and guests joined Barry and Commanding Officer Colonel Christopher Steel, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division and Regimental Sgt. Major Garett Kirkby, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division in the rededication ceremony.
The event began with an invocation by Chaplain William J. Brooks, former Navy Chaplain, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Barry began by thanking Josh Willis, General Manager of Honor Life Memorials, for taking on the job of doing the repairs on the granite slab, returning it to its original look. He also thanked Dave Roe, from Recycling Earth for his efforts in making this project happen. Barry recognized the Vietnam veterans in attendance and made a short statement as to the importance of taking this project on and making sure a place is found where this memorial can receive a dignified placement. Barry’s brother-in-law, Joe Cordileone, was introduced and he spoke about the importance of honoring the young men listed on the granite slab and said,
“Regardless of how we felt about Vietnam, we stood up and did the best we could, regardless of the circumstances and these young men did their best for their country.”
Barry then introduced Commanding Officer Colonel Steele who spoke about the List of Things Marines Don’t Do, especially as it relates to the Marine uniform and the legacy of the Marine Corp and the things a Marine does, which is Marines don’t leave fallen Marines behind, respecting the ultimate sacrifice they have made. He related that to the discovery and repair of the memorial and the rededication of the memorial. Vietnam Vet Steve Caldwell spoke about why we have memorials and the respect it shows for those who fight to protect this country. Barry had some final words to say, thanking those who attended and mentioning that the search is now underway to find a location for the refurbished granite slab and that he has several locations in mind, but can’t reveal anything yet. The Rededication Ceremony ended with a statement from Chaplain Brooks speaking to the importance of honoring these young men.
Some of the Vietnam Vets in attendance included Tony Anthony – 2 Purple Hearts and serving 2 tours in Vietnam rising from Staff Sgt. to Lieutenant; Joaquin Gracida – Lieutenant from the 35th Regiment; and 92-year-old Joe Larkin – serving as an advisor for the Marines in 1965-66 and a Maintenance Officer Captain 1967-68.
