On March 29th, University Libraries collections played a pivotal role in an event at Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum honoring the men and women who served in the Vietnam War.

The event marked the 52nd anniversary of the 1973 withdrawal of the U.S. combat troops from Vietnam and recognized the service of over three million Americans, among whom 58,000 made the ultimate sacrifice. The day began with a memorial ceremony inside the Vietnam Experience Exhibit and featured special remarks and moments of recognition, honoring the sacrifice and service of Vietnam veterans.

University Libraries was invited to participate in the special day by showing a selection of films from the U.S. Marine Corps Film Repository housed at Moving Image Research Collections at University Libraries. The films were shown in the Smokey Stover Theater aboard the USS Yorktown and featured archival clips from the war including Marine combat footage and Department of Defense reports along with network news broadcasts. Greg Wilsbacher, Curator of the Marine Corp Film Collection, cut together a selection of films to create an hour-long showing which played throughout the afternoon.

"It was an honor to program a screening of Marine Corps films for Vietnam War veterans on the day our nation commemorates the service and sacrifice of service members from all branches during that conflict,” said Wilsbacher. “That we were able to partner with the Patriot’s Point Authority and bring the films to the veterans on the historic USS Yorktown made the day even more memorable."

Alongside the film were various items from the South Caroliniana Library drawn from the papers of Maron F. Sturkey and Gene Jeffries, both South Carolinians who served in Vietnam. Sturkey served in the United States Marines as a H-46 Helicopter Pilot, and Jeffries in the United States Navy as a Senior Chief Yeomen.  Items on display featured photographs of the two men as well as their work, letters from Sturkey to his wife back home, and even Jeffries’ Vietnamese driver’s license.

"Materials at South Caroliniana Library vividly attest to South Carolinians' experiences serving in the armed forces,” said Nathan Saunders, Director of the South Caroliniana Library, who presented the materials on the day. “We are always excited to take these resources beyond the library so that we can engage with various communities — such as Vietnam veterans."

Veterans and their families enjoyed viewing the photographs and archival materials as well as the opportunity to view both the combat footage and news clips from the period that may never have been seen by the public before.

“Taking part in Vietnam Veterans Day at Patriots Point was a great way to honor the service of our veterans,” said David Banush, Dean of Libraries.  “We are very grateful to our colleagues at Patriots Point for allowing us to raise awareness of the films and objects that help preserve the memory of those sacrifices.”