T-R PHOTO BY MIKE DONAHEY Joint Veterans of Foreign Wars-American Legion Honor Guard member Rick Johnson, left, presents the American flag to Jeff Westberg of Coralville after the honor guard’s 21-gun salute outside the local American Legion Post 46. The assemblage witnessed a Gold Star ceremony to honor the sacrifice of Richard Westberg of Marshalltown,who killed during the Vietnam War 50 years ago. Jeff Westberg and David Westberg, who was also present, are brothers of Richard Westberg.

Although Richard Charles Westberg was killed in Vietnam 50 years ago, his family and friends gathered Saturday during Gold Star ceremonies to pay respects and ensure his sacrifice is never forgotten.

Westberg, 23, of the U.S. Army was killed March 10, 1968, during the Vietnam War.

He was one of the 58,472 Americans killed during the 13-year conflict.

Fittingly, the setting honoring him was Marshalltown’s American Legion Post #46.

A “missing man” table had been set up in front of the lectern, symbolizing the loss felt when a young family member dies.

Event emcee Steve Storjohann, a U.S. Navy veteran, and Westberg family friend, spoke of his many fond memories of the family generated over five decades.

“I worked with his parents, first his mom, and later his dad,” said Storjohann. “I had known Richard from Marshalltown High School. He was a little older than me. I do remember walking down the halls of Marshalltown High School with him … we would talk and then head to our classes.”

Storjohann, his voice quivering at times from emotion, then regained, related many happy and sad memories.

The saddest being when he learned of Westberg’s death — Storjohann said he was serving aboard a U.S. Navy ship in Charleston, S.C., when news broke.

“We gather here today to honor this great man,” Storjohann said during an opening prayer. “He made the ultimate sacrifice. Let us never forget his family and loved ones. Those he left behind also sacrificed. No longer will his family be complete, there will always be a void in their lives. Lord, wrap your loving arms around them, console them, so that one day they will be reunited in your heavenly kingdom.”

Storjohann presented Jeff Westberg and David Westberg — Richard Westberg’s brothers — with certificates from the U.S. Department of Defense.

The assemblage then adjourned outside to witness a military salute performed by the joint Veterans of Foreign Wars-American Legion Honor Guard.

They fired a 21-gun salute, Taps were sounded, and an American flag was presented by honor guard member Rick Johnson to Jeff Westberg.

“It is an honor to be part of this,” Honor Guard Commander Ken Breinig of Marshalltown said before the event.

The group of family and friends then re-assembled inside to hear remarks from Vietnam veteran and Iowa Commission of Veterans Affairs Dan Gannon of Des Moines.

Gannon told Times-Republican reporter Adam Sodders last week the Gold Star stands for those families who lost a loved one serving the military during times of war.

“Richard Westberg’s name is not only on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., it is also on the wall of the Vietnam War Memorial on the grounds of the local Iowa Veterans Home. “He was one of 32 from a four county area (Grundy, Hardin, Marshall and Tama) who made the ultimate sacrifice. We must never forget.”

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Contact Mike Donahey at 641-753-6611 or mdonahey@timesrepublican.com