DeSales University to Host Vietnam War Commemoration Ceremony

On Tuesday, March 29, at 11:00 a.m., DeSales University will host a Vietnam War Commemoration Ceremony in the Commonwealth Room at the DeSales University Center.

The DeSales community, in partnership with the Office of Veterans and Military Services at DeSales, will recognize, honor, and thank Vietnam War veterans, their families, and those who served with or in support of the armed forces. 

Vietnam veteran and former prisoner of war Captain Ralph Galati, United States Air Force, will be a guest speaker at the event. Arriving in Southeast Asia in 1971, Galati flew 68 combat missions before being shot down over North Vietnam on February 16, 1972.

Captured by the North Vietnamese, he began a more than 14-month ordeal of solitary confinement, self-discovery, and inspiration from his fellow POWs. After being repatriated in 1973, Galati worked for 28 years as a client executive with IBM, and more than 30 years as an adjunct professor teaching in some of the best business schools in the country. He has been a public speaker for 45 years. 

Also speaking will be David Binder, a U.S. Navy veteran who served two tours of duty in Vietnam. Along with his combat duties, Binder was the leading electronic technician responsible for maintenance and repair of the ship’s three radars and other associated electronic systems. His civilian career included 45 years as a material handler in the transportation department of PPL Electric Utilities Corp.

Also at the ceremony will be the unveiling of a POW-MIA exterior chair as part of the National Chair of Honor program. A POW/MIA chair in any location is to remain perpetually empty to help people remember that even though our soldiers are not here, there is always space for them. POW/MIA Chairs of Honor can be found in public spaces ranging from professional sports stadiums to small town city halls, and everywhere in between.

The POW/MIA Chair of Honor at DeSales was made possible through a contribution from the Johnny Rivers VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars), Post 11322, Quakertown. Other veterans' groups participating include the American Legion Post 242, Quakertown; Bethlehem Detachment #284 Marine Corps League; Fleet Reserve Association; Black Diamond Branch #115; Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council; the Vietnam Veterans of America - 415 Lehigh Valley Chapter; and the DeSales University Student Veterans of America.

DeSales University’s Office of Veterans and Military Services is proud to be recognized as an official Commemorative Partner of the Department of Defense, Vietnam War Commemoration.