Honored America and Lt. M. Blassie

One of the largest crowds came out and celebrated the first Wednesday Night Out event of the year that was hosted by the VFW Post 4105 on May 30^th with the theme “Proud to be an American”.

Family and friends gathered on the sidewalk in front of the VFW Post 4105 on rue St. Francois to unveil the 32^nd Walk Through History plaque in honor of First Lt. Michael J. Blassie, repatriated Vietnam Era “Unknown Soldier”.

Mayor Tom Schneider welcomed everyone in attendance as the 12^th District Guard presented the colors and Lady J. Huston with the Daughters of the American Revolution sang the National Anthem. Martha Richardson the incoming VFW 4105 Auxiliary President gave the POW presentation.

George Blassie the brother of First Lieutenant Blassie said a few words. Army recruit Anthony Schmuth who was leaving for basic training on June 5 assisted in unveiling the plaque. At the conclusion of the plaque dedication members from the American Legion Post 444 performed “Taps” as the sun was setting.

First Lieutenant Michael Joseph Blassie (April 4, 1948 – May 11, 1972) was an officer in the United States Air Force. Prior to the identification of his remains, Blassie was the unknown service member from the Vietnam War buried at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery, which is guarded by a special military detail 24 hours, 365 days a year. Advances in DNA identified remains in 1998 and he was returned home to Florissant for funeral at St. Dismas, internment at Jefferson Barracks.

Michael Blassie is one of the 42 KIA/MIA names engraved on the Vietnam Memorial Obelisk at Koch Park which was dedicated in 1969.

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