Crowd gathers to pay tribute, lay flowers for Mahoning County’s Vietnam War fallen

Crowd gathers to pay tribute, lay flowers for Mahoning County’s Vietnam War fallen

By ELISE McKEOWN SKOLNICK

news@vindy.com

YOUNGSTOWN

A crowd gathered around a bucket of roses and a small table set for one near the Vietnam War Memorial downtown.

The Laying of the Roses ceremony today paid tribute to the 100 Mahoning County men killed in action during the war, as well as the three who were prisoners of war or missing in action.

The Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 135 of Youngstown hosts the annual event, now in its 22nd year.

“It’s a day to remember our fallen heroes,” said Stanley Clingerman, organizer of this year’s event.

Veterans and family members laid a rose at the foot of the memorial as the names of the fallen were read.

“I think it helps families, for closure, and it’s a way they remember their loved ones,” Clingerman said. “And it’s a special occasion.”

Read the full story Monday in The Vindicator and on Vindy.com.