Chapter 227's Memorial Day Writer's Project:

Organized in 1993, the Memorial Day Writer's Project grew out of a casual conversation over coffee. Two Vietnam veterans from the Washington, DC area, who also happened to be writing poetry, wondered if it would ever be possible one day to gather with other Vietnam veterans and give a reading in honor of those who gave their lives during the Vietnam War.

Clyde Wray and Mike McDonell, a member of Chapter 227, didn't have a long time to wait for an answer. Shortly after the conversation, the DC Arts and Humanities Commission contacted Clyde Wray and proposed that something artistic and poetic should be arranged at a Washington, DC public space in honor of Memorial Day. Wray, well established in DC poetry circles, was off and running with the first event of the Memorial Day Writer's Project.

The premier event of the Project was Memorial Day 1993; it was a huge success. The Memorial Day Writer's Project truly went public after the 1993 event. The Writer's Project staged readings at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and has been an active presence on the Mall in DC on each Memorial Day and Veterans Day ever since. The Project has also kept a busy schedule of special performances for public and private schools, universities, conferences and veterans reunions.

For further information, please contact Chapter 227 member Mike McDonell and note "Writer's Project" on the subject line. Thanks.

ONE SOLDIER's LEGACY....

Vince Kaspar, who through his beautiful work and continual presence energized the Memorial Day Writer's Project, passed away in December 1995. MDWP and Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 227, established the Vince Kaspar Memorial Fund as an addition to the Chapter's already impressive Youth Scholarship Program. Under the direction of an Advisory Board, monetary prizes will be awarded to youth who show promise in the creative arts.

If you would like to contribute to this fund, please contact:

Vietnam Veterans of America^® Chapter 227
P.O. Box 5653
Arlington, VA 22205-0653

(703) 912-1681