GRAND RAPIDS — Honoring the people who fought for the United States is more than a tribute to the past — it is a reminder of courage and sacrifice.
Corporal Norris Brenden was a Marine from Talmoon who gave his life more than 56 years ago during the Vietnam War.
At 4 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 20, Brenden's family will receive the Silver Star at the Grand Rapids VFW Post 1720. Brenden's comrade Frank Eversole will present the award, and three other men who served with Brenden will speak.
Retired Sergeant Major Edward Neas served alongside Brenden and remembers him for his valor in combat.
"That's our job today, to be a voice for those men who no longer have a voice," Neas said on the KAXE Morning Show.
Brenden’s extraordinary valor during the Vietnam War’s 1968 Tet Offensive saved the lives of many fellow Marines. Brenden provided cover fire from a school building in Hue City that was under intense enemy assault, Neas said.
Brenden succumbed to his injuries Feb. 5, 1968, just weeks before the end of his 13-month tour.
"Basically, he should have received this many years ago," said Neas, who has worked tirelessly to ensure overdue recognition for his fellow Marines.
The ceremony at the VFW will be an opportunity for Brenden’s family to hear his story and connect with some of his Alpha Company comrades. Four Marines who served alongside Brenden will attend, including a fellow Minnesotan undergoing chemotherapy who is determined to make the journey to honor his friend.
Neas describes himself as the "glue" of Alpha Company, helping families piece together the stories of loved ones lost in action.
"When you were not one of the lucky ones to come home, and families are reaching out to find out what happened to a family member who didn't come home. ... I feel it’s my job," he said.
Neas will be traveling from his home in Brick, New Jersey, to honor Brenden and has also traveled to other locations in the United States to attend award ceremonies for others who died in Vietnam.
Neas has traveled to Vietnam twice since his original deployment. This December, he will make his third trip, working with the College of the Ozarks and their Patriotic Education program, which partners students with Vietnam veterans as they travel through the country, including Hue City, where Brenden died.
"I was able to walk down those same streets, and it was a little mind blowing at first. ... I had a lot of Vietnam veterans say, 'Why did you go back?' Because I wanted to," he said. "... I had some sad emotions. I had some great emotions, and I had some emotions I didn't even know I had."
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