Completed memorial rededicated

Vietnam War Veteran and District 44 Indiana State Representative Jim Baird (right) speaks during the rededication of the Clay County Vietnam War Memorial Saturday, which now includes the name of Army PSgt. Harold Dickerson, who lived in Poland and died in action Nov. 11, 1967. More than 50 residents and Veterans attended the ceremony, which was part of Loyalty Day festivities, including (sitting, from left) Dickerson's sister Helen Doyle and brother Whitey Dickerson, along with sons Dennis, Doug and Philip Dickerson and other family members. Jason Jacobs Photo. [Order this photo]

As part of Loyalty Day Festivities Saturday, the Vietnam War Memorial was rededicated with a full roll call.

Recently, Center Point resident John Nicoson, with the help of Clay County Veterans Service Officer Mike Holland and the Clay County Commissioners, set out to right a wrong and add the name of PSgt. Harold Dickerson, who died in action Nov. 11, 1967.

"This is something that needed to be done because you can't just leave a guy off," Nicoson, who served in Vietnam from 1969-70 as part of the 101st Airborne, told The Brazil Times. "This is a job that was started 40 years ago, and now it is finally done."

Fellow Vietnam Veteran James Baird was the guest speaker to the crowd of more than 50, as well as members of Dickerson's family, including his brother (Whitey Dickerson), sister (Helen Doyle) and sons (Dennis, Doug and Philip Dickerson).

"No soldier wants to go to war, but each soldier knows the courage it takes to go into battle," Baird, who currently serves as District 44 Indiana State Representative, said. "PSgt. Dickerson showed such courage in 1967, being so far from home and doing his duty for his family and friends. It is very fitting that we add him to this wall."

As part of the ceremony, the Indiana Ceremonial Unit Color Guard posted the American and Indiana flags, while Andy Whittington performed "Taps," which made Philip appreciative of the dedication.

"I'm proud to know the folks here in Clay County still have this much pride to put this together as well as honoring all veterans through Loyalty Day," he said.

While fighting back his emotions, Holland expressed his appreciation for the completion of the memorial.

"I am so thankful the Dickerson family was able to come to see this," he said.

Dickerson, who was a native of Poland, is also listed on The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, also known as "The Wall," on Panel 29E, Line 71. According to Baird, there are 58,265 names on "The Wall"