Published August 10, 2017 by

The Virginia E. “Ginny” Kirsch Memorial Highway named in honor of Vietnam Donut Dollie

Floral tribute of the Red Cross presented by members of the 25th Brigade, Tropic Lightening in memory of Ginny

On Sunday, July 30, 2017 on the village green in Brookfield, OH, a dedication ceremony was held to name the Virginia E. “Ginny” Kirsch Memorial Highway in honor of this Red Cross Donut Dollie, who was murdered in her hooch at the 25th U.S. Infantry Division base in Cu Chi, Vietnam on August 16, 1970.  Ginny and her Donut Dollie sisters served in Korea and Vietnam as civilians, and as such, the three women who lost their lives while serving in Vietnam are ineligible to have their names included on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC.

 

State Senator Sean O’Brien speaking, was responsible for introducing the legislation to have the highway named in Ginny’s honor

State Senator Sean O’Brien, who recently introduced an amendment that was signed into law by Ohio Governor John Kasich to rename a portion of highway in Turnbull County in Ginny’s honor, spoke at the dedication event.  Also in attendance were Ginny’s siblings, as well as over 100 people, including Veterans and Donut Dollies.

Ginny Kirsch had only been in Vietnam for just two weeks when she lost her life.  She and the other young women who served as Donut Dollies, went into these war zones because they chose to serve our military men by bringing a piece of home to them in an attempt to take their minds off the war, if only for a few minutes.  These young women were dedicated to a truly challenging job, not knowing what they would experience from day-to-day, but they gave their all.

 

We thank Karen Sankey for the photos included here.  She also provided the following description of the days events:

Color Guard with members from Girard and Hubbard OH presenting the colors

“Ginny’s family was introduced, followed by the color guard presenting the colors, and the playing of the national anthem along with the raising of the flag.  The wreaths shown in the photos were presented and placed near the painting of Ginny.  Her sisters then spoke, as well as the Senator O’Brien, the president of Miami University of OH, local dignitaries and a Brookfield High School student.

A symbolic ribbon cutting took place, with Ginny’s sister Laurie doing the cutting.  A 21 gun salute, followed by taps and a bagpiper’s rendition of Amazing Grace were performed, all to honor Ginny’s memory.  The ceremony closed and a reception with the family followed, with coffee, donuts and pastries served.”

Flag raising during the national anthem
Presenting wreaths, Susan McLean (R) former Donut Dollie who served with Ginny, and another Donut Dollie and former member of Trumbull County Red Cross (center)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ginny’s sisters, Marti (L) and Mary (R), speaking about memories they have of growing up with Ginny

 

 

The portrait of Ginny that was presented during the ceremon

 

 

 

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