A concurrent RESOLUTION

 

to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the day the last UNited States combat troops left Vietnam, to recognize and honor lucy caldwell for her work of encouragement to members of the united states armed forces during the vietnam war, and to remember those warriors whose lives were touched by her.

 

Whereas, the South Carolina General Assembly is pleased to learn that Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum in Mount Pleasant will offer free admission to Vietnam veterans and their immediate families and will host a free program aboard the USS Yorktown to honor Vietnam veterans on Vietnam Veterans Day, Wednesday, March 29, 2023, the fiftieth anniversary of the day the last United States combat troops left Vietnam, and will remember the selfless life and legacy of Lucy Caldwell; and

 

Whereas, in March 1966, fifty-six-year-old widow of Princeton University athlete and College Football Hall of Fame Head Coach Charlie Caldwell, Lucy Caldwell, left the comforts of her home in Princeton, New Jersey, and purchased a one-way ticket to Saigon even though she knew no one there or anywhere else in Southeast Asia.  She was disturbed by television images of war protests, draft-card bonfires, desecration of the American flag, and Americans protesting US servicemen in Vietnam; and

 

Whereas, armed with a good sense of humor, affection, and friendliness, Lucy wore her "uniform" of heels, skirts, and silk blouses scented with Shalimar perfume and went to work for one dollar a year, plus an extra twenty-five cents for serving in a combat zone; and

 

Whereas, Lucy volunteered with the United Service Organization (USO) to support Vietnam War service members.  For thirty-four months, longer than the average tour of duty, this caregiver solicited care packages, sorted pen-pal mail, wrapped and distributed Christmas presents, baked cakes, catered dinners, and held the hands of dying Marines.  For brave warriors whose bodies were too burned, bandaged, or mangled to write, she devotedly transcribed messages to anxious families back home; and

 

Whereas, Lucy passed away in 1979, and the daughter of South Carolina native and United States Marine Clebe McClary is working to keep alive Lucy's story and the narratives of the brave men she encouraged.  Tara McClary Reeves' father never saw Lucy because his entire head was bandaged from injuries, but in the field hospital to which he was medevacked, Lucy gently coaxed him to communicate to his bride of only eleven months and twenty-three days.  Lucy wrote the letter he dictated to her.  Mrs. Reeves nicknamed the men whose families received these letters "Lucy's Boys"; and

 

Whereas, Lucy Caldwell was awarded the Dickey Chappelle Award in 1968, recognizing the hopefulness, comfort, and cheer she brought to the men of the United States Marine Corps.  She would later be made an honorary Corporal in the United States Marine Corps; and

 

Whereas, the National Vietnam War Veterans Day program at Patriot's Point will feature the first and second episodes of the PBS documentary series Lucy Caldwell and a fireside chat with as many of "Lucy's Boys" as can be found.  On this National Vietnam War Veterans Day, the members of the South Carolina General Assembly express their deep appreciation for the lives of those veterans who served our nation during the Vietnam War and honor their sacrifices, as well as the selfless actions of Americans like Lucy Caldwell who brought them comfort.  Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:

 

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the day the last United States combat troops left Vietnam, recognize and honor Lucy Caldwell for her work of encouragement to members of the United States Armed Forces during the Vietnam War, and remember those warriors whose lives were touched by her.

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