SDIT eUpdate: Father's Day 2025 • Volume IIII

Since 1989, SDIT has held either a major Father's Day event at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial or had individuals travel to Washington, DC to place red and yellow roses along the base of 'The Wall.'

The red roses are in tribute to our fathers who gave their lives in the Vietnam War.

The yellow roses symbolize the hope held by families of those who remain Missing in Action in Southeast Asia.

On behalf of the entire SDIT community, this morning a memorial wreath and red and yellow roses were placed at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and at the mobile exhibit: 'The Wall That Heals' - which was is on display this weekend in nearby Alexandria, VA.

For 36 years, SDIT has been an integral part of making Father's Day at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial a picturesque tribute to the fathers among the 58,281 heroes remembered on 'The Wall.'

Happy Father's Day!

Mike Cruden - the Gold Star Son of SSGT Donald J. Cruden (USMC) - traveled from New Jersey this year, just as he has done nearly every previous Father's Day, to place roses at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to ensure that the fathers on 'The Wall' are always remembered!

Despite a driving rain storm, the West and East panels of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial are awash in Father's Day roses!

Did You Know?

On Father's Day 1989, Maria Shriver reported for NBC's 'Sunday Today' show telling the story of America's Gold Star Children from the Vietnam War. The story also reports on the first efforts by the Friends of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to place roses at 'The Wall' on Father's Day.

While the SDIT movement was just two months old when this story aired, the report gave national exposure to the idea of what was to become Sons and Daughters In Touch!

Watch the video by clicking on the thumbnail below:

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