The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund and Lilly Broadcasting have teamed up to bring the Wall That Heals to Erie on Memorial Day Weekend.

Before the arrival of the Wall, we are featuring local Vietnam vets and their families.

O. Wayne Smith was 19 years-old, when he was killed in Vietnam in May of 1969.

The heartache is never ending for his Sister, Patricia Smith.

She told Erie News Now, " when he passed away, it was a very sad day. We found out later, after he passed away, he didn't have to go because, he was the only son to carry on the family name."

He died May 12, 1969 and he never got a chance to meet his son. His son was born on August 18, 1969. 

Patricia was home with her infant daughter and her Mother, when Army personnel knocked on her door. She knew right away, what happened with her brother.

Just over a year ago, Patricia created a Memorial for her brother, in her backyard. "He made the ultimate sacrifice for his Country, when I think of him, I become tearful, he is still with me."

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund is honoring those who served with a new program.   

It's called the In Memory Program and it honors Veterans who returned home and later died. 

Applications are due by April 29th.

For an application, email [email protected].