Catholics in Fairmount Remember Patrick Ward

Patrick Ward, a parishioner of St. Francis Xavier in Philadelphia, graduate of the parish school and Roman Catholic High School ’66, served in Vietnam. He grew up in the Fairmount area, where he is remembered by many as an outstanding athlete in football, track and baseball. In 1966 he was drafted in the Army and shipped to Vietnam in 1967.

Ward was a helicopter gunner, stationed in the Lao Pang. While there he was looking after Vietnamese orphans. Time and time again he would send letters home to family requesting to send packages to the children.

 In August 1968 when answering the call to assist pinned down comrades, Ward and his helicopter crew were shot down by enemy fire. He would be awarded the Silver Star posthumously.

“It was a sad time for Fairmount.” Recalled Lisa Trout-Porrini, who grew up in the neighborhood at the time. She, like many others remember, hearing stories about Ward not only of his actions as a soldier but as a friend and sibling.

“ I was 11 at the time and remember how somber Fairmount was. It affected us all as a neighborhood family. He was a great guy and died too young” said Michelle Schaeffer

Every Memorial Day the neighborhood of Fairmount gathers at Ward’s Park located at 24^th and Aspen to honor his sacrifice. His memorial is the oldest Vietnam War memorial in the United States.

Those gathered were neighbors of all ages including many veterans who served from Korean War to Afghanistan. In addition to veterans, Ward’s family and friends were in attendance for a beautiful celebration of mass. Everyone joined in singing traditional patriotic songs such as the National Anthem, American the Beautiful and God Bless America.

Father Brian R Gaffney C.O., priest from St. Francis Xavier, celebrated the mass. Deacon Vine Thompson reads from the Gospel of Mark how Jesus challenges a person to give up everything they possess, follow the commandments, but also love thy neighbor. Father Gaffney connects the daily gospel on love of self and neighbor in connection with the meaning of the patriotic holiday.

“Put love and desire to protect others ahead of yourself” Father Gaffney challenges.

He points out that every soldier is not perfect, but they must be willing to give up their possesions for others, which is a diffiuclt task but must be done.