Voices of Volunteers: Labor of Love
Voices of Volunteers: Labor of Love
The volunteers who serve at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial (VVM) are a dedicated group with a strong sense of community. Many of the volunteers are veterans of the Vietnam War or volunteer at the Memorial to honor their loved ones who served.
Volunteers who serve the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, often referred to as "yellow hatters," gather on Memorial Day, 2021; although, their service at the Memorial lasts all year long. Photo by Bill Shugarts.
Every Memorial Day, the team honors their Vietnam veterans with a wreath laying ceremony presented by the volunteer corps.
Allen McCabe, a volunteer at the Memorial and a lead coordinator in the wreath presentation, recalls how the tradition started:“We noted that there were many groups and organizations which were presenting wreaths – and we felt that it would be an honor for us to do so as well.” Some 7-8 years ago the team began by presenting just one wreath, but the support from the volunteer community has been so prolific that they now present three wreaths at each event, even during a global pandemic. The wreath with the main placard is placed at “The Wall,” and additional wreaths are placed at the Three Servicemen Statue, and the Vietnam Women’s Memorial.
McCabe says of the volunteers who serve at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, “when we get together, it is like a family reunion. The friendships built at The Wall are very powerful.” So powerful, in fact, they span time and place. Volunteers come to D.C. from as far as Florida, Colorado, Alaska, and Hawaii to be at VVM, especially on these commemorative days. Those who can no longer join their friends at the Wall are still there in spirit. The volunteers honor those who have passed from their community through an “In Memoriam” list on the placard presented with the wreaths. This year, four volunteers were added to those remembered: Paul Stancliff, Greg Chase, Bill Harris, and Rick Huxta. These volunteers’ service influenced countless memorable visits to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and through the support of their volunteer community, their names and contributions will be remembered at the Memorial each year.
Volunteers Cindy Stancliff and Joe Leone present the volunteer wreath during the 2021 Memorial Day Commemoration at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The volunteers were chosen to present the wreath in honor of friends and family lost, as well as dedicated healthcare workers. Photo by Bill Shugarts.
The Memorial Day and Veterans Day wreaths are made possible through contributions from over 70 volunteers, with additional leadership from Connie Quickstad, who coordinates donations and ordering the wreaths, and Allen McCabe, who leads communications and coordinates the production of the placard. McCabe says of Connie's work, “I know it’s a labor of love for her. She is retired military herself." Even the wrought-iron stand supporting the wreath is significant, as it was originally used by Cindy McCain to support the wreath which she placed in honor of her late husband, Senator John McCain, when he passed in 2018. When the stand was set aside to be discarded, volunteers Suzanne Sigona and Annmarie Emmet, who have both volunteered since the 1980s, rescued it. Cindy McCain graciously gave her permission for it to be used for the volunteer wreath moving forward.
Each year volunteers, typically Vietnam veterans or long-time volunteers, are selected to present the wreath at the commemoration event.This year, Cyndy Stancliff and Joe Leone held the honor. Cyndy, who has been a volunteer at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial since 1994, lost her husband, volunteer Paul Stancliff, over the last year. She agreed to present the wreathto represent the families and friends of the wonderful volunteers the group had lost. Joe Leone was asked to perform the honor “to represent the front-line medical personnel who risked their own lives this past year.” Joe, a Vietnam Veteran and volunteer since 2002, spent his career as a respiratory therapist. When the pandemic hit, Joe left retirement to spend long days and weeks in the Emergency Room helping keep people alive. McCabe says,“Both Cyndy and Joe are outstanding examples of what it means to be a Volunteer at The Wall – and we’re glad they are representing the team.”
Volunteers join representatives from organizations such as American Gold Star Mothers, Vietnam Veterans of America, Military Order of the Purple Heart, and The American Legion in honoring fallen servicemembers on Memorial Day at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Photo by Bill Shugarts.
Volunteer Allen McCabe shares what the volunteer wreath means to the community, and what he wants others to know when they see it:
”I think presenting a wreath on behalf of the Volunteers is very special to all of us – for many, many different reasons. For those who served and have buddies on The Wall, or know someone on The Wall, the wreath is a way of saying to them that they are not forgotten – and never will be. For some, the wreath is a symbol of family – something we all collectively did together for a common cause. It’s our collective way of being a team – everyone equal on the placard – each bringing their own unique set of skills and experiences to the Memorial to make the visitor experience that much more meaningful. It’s our way of remembering those Volunteers who have passed away. We stand on their shoulders. It’s our way of never forgetting all the Volunteers who have stood out in the rain, snow, cold, dark, or bake oven summers – and helped someone find a name or provided a shoulder to cry on. I’m so proud to be associated with the Volunteers of The Wall. When a visitor says "thank you for being here," that means everything. The wreath tells visitors that the Volunteer team will always be here for them – and those on The Wall behind us.”
BECOME A VOLUNTEER
As the official nonprofit partner of NPS, the Trust for the National Mall is committed to building a sense of stewardship for this iconic park.
As part of the commitment, we are piloting a volunteer program at specific sites on the National Mall. This is an excellent opportunity for those fascinated by history, and those who love meeting new people and enjoy spending time outdoors. This is also a great chance to gain valuable experience working at a national park.
If you have any questions around volunteer opportunities, please email Eduard Krakhmalnikov, Director of Public Engagement Programs at ekrakhmalnikov@nationalmall.org.
HELP US GROW
Volunteer service saves the National Park Service close to $2 million annually in operating costs. For the volunteer program to expand and remain strong, the Trust needs financial support to continue its commitment to improving, managing, and growing the program.
