Opposition to memorial for Irish Vietnam War veterans

CALLS to install a memorial in Ennis to Irish soldiers who fought in the Vietnam War sparked opposition from members of Ennis Town Council this week.

Councillor Johnny Flynn informed the meeting he has been contacted by a group of veterans who visit the town regularly. “They are willing to pay the cost for a memorial once it is made of local stone and the local authority provide a site,” he said.
He commented that this presents a “huge opportunity” to take advantage of the Vietnam veteran tourism market. He highlighted there are a number of Clare connections with the conflict including two men from Lahinch who fought in the war.
However, Councillor Paul O’Shea, who lived in Indo China for a number of years described the issues as a “sensitive subject” pointing out the number of Vietnamese casualties far outweigh the numbers of American soldiers killed.
He told the meeting, “The land there is still riddled with unexploded mines that are death traps. It’s distressing that local farmers cannot farm their land to feed their families and the children are attracted to these things, they are like toys.” He said the issue needs more debate and he urged the council write to the American ambassador requesting that America sign up to the Mine Ban Treaty, supported by 160 countries all over the world.
Councillor Mary Howard lent her support to Councillor Flynn saying those involved in the war “thought they were doing the right thing”. She said it was a “very sad war” and she outlined that many Irish people were drafted soon after emigrating to the US. “Many of these Irish people would have had poor backgrounds and they would have grown up hearing stories from their fathers and grandfathers of fighting for Ireland. Their heart was in the right place and it’s important that we acknowledge these people, they did what they thought was the right thing at the time,” she said.
Councillor Frankie Neylon described the conflict as a “cruel war that was devastating for millions of people”. He added he supported Councillor O’Shea saying, “like all wars, there are two sides and nobody can talk about it apart from who was there”.
Councillor Flynn stated he had “no problem” supporting Councillor O’Shea’s call for America to sign up to the mine ban treaty.
Councillor Tommy Brennan suggested a commemoration be installed for all people who have fought in all wars around the world. This was supported by Councillor Michael Guilfoyle who said, “There have been many wars that many Irish people have taken part in. We should honour all people and never forget, at the end of the day we’re all god’s children.”
Leonard Cleary, town clerk responded to Councillor Flynn by stating in order to research this motion further there would be “merit in seeking the observations of the local authority’s local studies centre, County Museum curator and Heritage Officer in relation to the historical facts, involving Ennis and Clare residents, underpinning these events”.
Town manager Ger Dollard suggested Councillor Flynn put the veteran group in contact with the museum and other bodies for further discussion.