Washington Nationals Honor Vietnam Veterans with Special Day at the Ballpark

The Washington Nationals honored 15 Vietnam-era veterans on a sun-splashed day at the ballpark on Wednesday in the nation’s capital. 

Despite the Nationals falling 6-1 to the St. Louis Cardinals, the day was filled with smiles for a proud group of veterans participating in Voyage of Valor, part of the AARP program “Wish of a Lifetime.” On a beautiful afternoon at Nationals Park, the veterans received on-field recognition, partook in pregame ceremonies, and received a special salute to service following the fifth inning.   

According to a press release, the Wish of a Lifetime program is a “yearlong tribute experience and powerful journey of connection, reflection and remembrance that ensures each veteran is seen, honored and valued for their service and sacrifice.” 

For the Vietnam veterans at Nationals Park on Wednesday, it served as the “welcome home” most didn’t receive after their tours ended in the war-torn country.  

The 15 veterans, all from Wyoming, served across several branches, including Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and the Women’s Army Corps (WAC), with military specialties ranging from combat and medical care to logistics and journalism. 

Visit to the Wall 

Before the Nationals game, the group visited the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, an emotional experience for some. 

Don Sillivan said the ability for veterans from his era to return to D.C. is important. 

“With the wall, they can kind of reminisce and see if they have somebody that they lost, a good friend they lost in the war over there,” Sillivan said. “It helps out. I managed to find a couple of guys I knew there today. I didn’t know if they had gotten killed in action or what, I just lost contact. I was pretty happy to see their names on there, not because they’re gone, but to know where they’re at.” 

John Ferrero, an Army veteran, threw out the ceremonial first pitch, while Jerry Granquist, who also served in the Army, delivered the line-up card to the home plate umpire, and WAC veteran Valinda Jewell announced, “It’s time for Nationals baseball. Play ball!” 

A Long Awaited Thank You 

A few of the veterans also shared their stories of service from more than 50 years ago. 

“I saw some stuff there that would turn your hair upside down,” Sillivan said. 

He’s grateful for AARP’s Voyage of Valor program because it provides Vietnam veterans the recognition they didn’t receive five decades ago. 

“When I came home, I was in with the VFW and they told me, ‘You didn’t fight in no war, you were in a conflict, that’s not a war,’” Sillivan recalled. “So, I was pretty put down about the whole thing but as time went on, I made up my mind that I’m going to do what I can to help other veterans out, and that’s what we do.” 

Tom Wagenlander, the executive director and vice president of Wish of a Lifetime, said days like Wednesday are important to pay respect to those who were willing to sacrifice it all for the nation’s freedom. 

“They’re responsible for all the freedoms and liberties we share as a society, especially for this generation of veterans who came back to a society that was conflicted, in terms of their conflict,” Wagenlander said. “This is really important for them to feel welcomed, for them to feel appreciated, for their selflessness, for their sacrifice … and to really honor their colleagues, their buddies, who didn’t make it back.” 

Wagenlander believes carefree days at the ballpark, enjoying a Major League Baseball game, is a freedom veterans fought for, something most sports fans take for granted. 

“It’s great to see them as individuals, enjoying the freedoms they fought so valiantly for,” he said. “But most importantly for all the love, from all the people who want to say, ‘Thank you for your service’ and to appreciate them.” 

Wednesday’s game was extra special for the group from Wyoming, not accustomed to watching big league baseball in a state that has none.  

“This is a real privilege for them,” Wagenlander said. “I just thank the Nationals. I have the deepest appreciation and gratitude for the organization and for AARP.”