In a recent meeting of the North Dakota House Government and Veterans Affairs Committee, lawmakers discussed House Concurrent Resolution 3,005, which seeks to urge the 119th Congress to include the names of the 74 crew members lost from the USS Frank E. Evans on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. This resolution, championed by Representative Mary Schneider, highlights the ongoing struggle to honor these sailors who perished in a tragic collision at sea during the Vietnam War.

Representative Schneider, who represents Central Fargo and West Fargo, passionately advocated for the inclusion of the names of the sailors, emphasizing that for North Dakotans Patrick Gene Glennon and Robert James Seal, the memorial wall would serve as their grave marker since their bodies were never recovered. She articulated that the USS Frank E. Evans was engaged in combat support for the Vietnam War at the time of the incident, making a compelling case for why these sailors should be recognized alongside others who died due to the war.

The resolution aims to reignite efforts to have these names inscribed on the memorial, a task that has faced bureaucratic hurdles since the collision occurred on June 3, 1969. Schneider noted that previous attempts to add the names have been met with resistance, primarily due to the Department of Defense's criteria for inclusion, which has been criticized as arbitrary.

Senator Richard Marsolais, also a veteran, echoed Schneider's sentiments, expressing frustration over the lack of progress in recognizing the fallen sailors. He shared his personal connection to the event, having been stationed in Vietnam at the time of the collision. Marsolais and other supporters underscored the emotional weight of the issue, highlighting the need for closure for the families of the lost sailors.

The committee's discussions revealed a strong bipartisan sentiment in favor of the resolution, with members expressing their commitment to continue advocating for the inclusion of the sailors' names. The meeting served as a reminder of the sacrifices made by service members and the importance of honoring their memory.

As the resolution moves forward, it represents not only a legislative effort but also a broader call for recognition and remembrance of those who served and sacrificed during the Vietnam War. The committee's support signals a renewed commitment to ensuring that the names of the USS Frank E. Evans crew members are finally etched into history, where they rightfully belong.