A Marine home on leave and visiting Henry’s Garage (now the local fire station) in Port Henry, NY left a beer in the garage to enjoy when he returned home from the Vietnam War. While Stoddard is buried in Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery in Moriah, NY his name is also etched on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, panel 26W line 57.
Stoddard served in Vietnam with Golf Company 2/9 Marines as an Assaultman. He was in country from February 19, 1969 until his death on April 26, 1969. Stoddard was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart. Stoddard’s story captured the attention of a filmmaker who created When I Come Home. To learn more about Stoddard and the impact of the Vietnam War on one community, see the film (linked below) and visit www.facebook.com/whenicomehome/.
Facts: Marines mourn and honor our fallen Marines. Essex County Leathernecks carry the fallen with us, whether we are participating in local parades (pictured below) or holding an open table for those not present at our celebratory events. When Marines say Semper Fi, without question, it includes honoring and remembering those who’ve fallen.
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