Every Memorial Day, a group of Vietnam veterans and community members spends a day at the California Vietnam Veterans Memorial, reading the name, branch of service, and hometown of every veteran inscribed on its granite walls. It’s a way to honor each individual and to ensure that all of the men and women who were killed or missing in action in Vietnam are never forgotten.

VVA-500 Chapter President Martin Snezek takes part in the annual Reading of the Names in 2016.

This year, Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) Chapter 500 will host the 19th Annual Reading of the Names on Sunday, May 27. Volunteers will begin the reading at 7 a.m. and will take a break at noon, for a brief Honors Ceremony. Throughout the afternoon, they will complete the reading, acknowledging, and honoring of each of the 5,673 individuals whose names are engraved on the memorial.

“It is our way of honoring them and keeping their legacy remembered, of showing that never again will one generation of veterans leave another behind, and of giving honor to all veterans of all wars who made the ultimate sacrifice,” said VVA-500 Chapter President Martin Snezek. “It’s also our way of saying ‘Welcome Home’”

The event takes place at the memorial, located in Capitol Park near the corner of 15^th and L Streets in Sacramento.

If you would like to volunteer to read names or to assist with event set up or clean up, contact VVA-500 by email, vietnamveterans@sacvva500.org, or phone, (916) 481-6020.

Learn more: www.sacvva500.org.