Memorial Mass Scheduled SEPT. 6, 2016, for Vietnam War Hero Father Vincent R. Capodanno, MM
WHAT: A Memorial Mass for Father Vincent R. Capodanno, MM, United States Navy Chaplain and Vietnam War hero, killed in action 49 years ago on a Vietnam battlefield. His Excellency, the Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio, J.C.D., Archbishop for the United States Military Services, will be the main celebrant and homilist.
WHERE: The Crypt Church of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, 400 Michigan Avenue Northeast, Washington, D.C., 20017.
WHEN: 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 6, 2016.
BACKGROUND: This annual Mass is celebrated for the repose of Father Vincent R. Capodanno, MM, a Catholic U.S. Military Chaplain and Navy Lieutenant who died of multiple gunshots during fixed-bayonet combat between U.S. Marines and North Vietnamese regulars in Vietnam’s Que Son Valley on September 4, 1967. At the time of his death, Father Capodanno was fearlessly moving about the battlefield–unarmed–aiding and anointing wounded and dying Marines. For his valor, Father Capodanno posthumously received the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military decoration. In May 2006, the Catholic Church declared Father Capodanno a Servant of God, opening his Cause for Canonization. The Cause is officially promoted by the Father Vincent Capodanno Guild, a private Catholic Church association and not-for-profit corporation.
The Memorial Mass for Father Vincent R. Capodanno, MM, is open to the public. There will be open seating, so attendees are advised to plan for early arrival. The disabled may pre-arrange reserved parking by email to Ms. Mary Preece: mpreece@milarch.org.
Military members are encouraged to wear the uniform of the day, and business attire is appropriate for civilians.
Media coverage is welcomed.
