PORT TOWNSEND — Memorial Day ceremonies at the American Legion Marvin G. Shields Post 26 are always poignant reminders of those who have given their lives for their country, but Monday’s event “was a really emotional one,” according to post commander Joe Carey.
More than 200 people gathered in the legion hall to hear patriotic music and pay their respects to veterans, fallen and otherwise.
Shields, who was referred to several times during the ceremony as a local hero, was a Port Townsend High School graduate who was mortally wounded in a 1965 Viet Cong attack during the Vietnam War.
He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in 1966 by President Lyndon B. Johnson for gallantry during combat and is recognized every year during local Memorial Day and Veterans Day commemorations..
On Monday, his widow, Joan Shields Bennett, donated a glass case containing replicas of her husband’s medals and the commemorative swords that were awarded to the family last year.
“It is fitting that Marvin is being recognized,” she said, “although I think he would be baffled and somewhat embarrassed by all the attention.
“But we should remember him in this way, and we should all take the opportunity to thank all the veterans we see no matter where you see them, whether it is on the street or anywhere else.”
“The war in Vietnam was the time in American history that continues to define us,” said Bill Carpentier, before the Shields memorabilia was unveiled.
“More than 60,000 people gave their lives in service to our country during that time.”
Carpentier said that Shields’ memory provides a source of local pride.
“Marv was one of us,” he said.
“He played football at Port Townsend High School and was awarded the Inspirational Award from his class and team.
“The members of his Seabee group found that same dedication in his duties, and those members still pause in awesome awareness of this Seabee from Port Townsend.”
In addition to the medals and swords, Bennett also presented the legion with Shields’ letter jacket, which had the Inspirational Award tucked in the pocket.
Both framed items will be displayed at the legion post.
After the ceremony, Marjorie Carpentier. Bill Carpentier’s mother, laid a wreath in Port Townsend Bay.
This was followed by a gun salute and the playing of taps.
At the event’s close, there was a reminder about why they will continue.
“Joe [Carey] and all the fine folks here are passing the torch on to you guys,” said Don Rees of Port Townsend.
“We are calling upon the next generation to fight for freedom because it has to be paid for by someone.
“Every generation has to fight for its own freedom,” he said. “Please don’t forget that.”
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Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.