Annual Ceremony Honors Members Of Edison Class Of '64 Who Died In Vietnam War
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- One local high school was devastated by loss during the Vietnam-era conflict, and the sacrifice of dozens of classmates is not forgotten, as we approach Memorial Day.
Nearly every high school in America sent graduates off to war, but Edison High School lost 64 alumni between 1965 and 1971. No other high school in the nation lost so many to Vietnam.
Now, the "Edison 64" are remembered each year at this time, as current students learn about their sacrifice.
The guest speaker was veteran James Douglas, from Edison's Class of 1963, who served in the Air Force and did a tour of duty in Vietnam.
"Even though there was a draft going on, most of us that went were not draftees, we were volunteers."
They felt compelled to serve.
"We did not shy away from things that were taking place."
Current students say they learn about the conflict in history classes, movies, and from their parents, grandparents and uncles who served there.
Back during the Vietnam era, Edison was located at 8th and Lehigh, but in the late 1980's, it moved to its current spot at Front and Luzerne. Now, a stretch of Luzerne Street, between Whitaker Ave and North 5th Street has been renamed "Edison 64 Memorial Street."
The new signs were unveiled at the ceremony.