United States Marine Corps Private First Class Robert Berg Labbe, was the first of four Salem servicemen to be killed in action in the Vietnam War. He died at the age of 19 on March 4, 1966, in Quang Nagi Province, South Vietnam.

Labbe’s uniform was donated to the Salem Historical Society by his mother, Helen, after his death to serve as part of the society’s military display and now bears Labbe’s Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pin. The ceremony was made possible by the combined efforts of Labbe’s childhood friend Ronald Jackson, who served as a Navy Aviation Machinist E-5 during the Vietnam War; Bob Greenisen of the Arbaugh-Pearce-Greenisen Funeral Home, which oversaw the funeral arrangements for Labbe; and Vietnam War Commemoration Committee Chairman and District Director of U.S. Rep Bill Johnson’s Office Sarah Keeler.

Jackson received his own pin earlier this year, and wanted to place one on Labbe’s uniform. He contacted Greenisen for assistance in arranging the pinning. He, in turn, contacted Keeler with the assistance of Columbiana County Republican Party Chairman David Johnson to arrange the ceremony.

“The Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pin is a lasting memento of a nation’s thanks. The lapel pin is presented on behalf of a grateful nation to United States veterans that served on active duty in the in the United State Armed Forces at any time during the period of Nov. 1, 1955, to May 15, 1975, regardless of location of service.

Keeler, who also serves as Honorary Mahoning Chapter Regent of the Daughters of the American Revolution, presided over the ceremony explaining the symbolism of the pin, which depicts a bald eagle’s head in front of a stylized flag, surrounded by a blue ring with golden laurels. The back of the pin is embossed with “A Grateful Nation Thanks and Honors You.”

“The Eagle: the eagle represents courage, honor and dedicated service to our Nation. As one of the most recognizable and notable American Symbols, it is emblazoned on numerous military insignia.

The Blue Circle: the color blue matches the canton of the American Flag and signifies vigilance, perseverance, and justice. The circle shape and blue color also match the official seal of the commemoration.

The Laurel Wreath: a time-honored symbol representing victory, integrity and strength.

Stripes: The stripes behind the eagle represent the American flag.

Stars: The six stars represent the six allies who served, sacrificed, and fought alongside one another; Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea, Thailand, and the United States.

Message: “A Grateful Nation Thanks and Honors You” is embossed on the back, closest to the heart of the wearer. The official name of the commemoration is included to remind each veteran that this is a national initiative, and this lapel pin is the nation’s lasting memento of thanks,” said Keeler.

The pin was placed by an emotional Jackson, who thanked Greenisen and Keeler for their assistance in organizing the event. Jackson said Labbe was like a brother to him, and that he was happy to see his pin placed on his uniform.

Efforts to organize pinning ceremonies for the remaining three Salem Servicemen killed in action in the Vietnam War, Larry H. Crumbaker, William J. Hughes, and Charles J. Turri, are ongoing.