On Sunday, July 30, 2017 on the village green in Brookfield, OH, a dedication ceremony was held to name the Virginia E. “Ginny” Kirsch Memorial Highway in honor of this Red Cross Donut Dollie, who was murdered in her hooch at the 25th U.S. Infantry Division base in Cu Chi, Vietnam on August 16, 1970. Ginny and her Donut Dollie sisters served in Korea and Vietnam as civilians, and as such, the three women who lost their lives while serving in Vietnam are ineligible to have their names included on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC.
State Senator Sean O’Brien, who recently introduced an amendment that was signed into law by Ohio Governor John Kasich to rename a portion of highway in Turnbull County in Ginny’s honor, spoke at the dedication event. Also in attendance were Ginny’s siblings, as well as over 100 people, including Veterans and Donut Dollies.
Ginny Kirsch had only been in Vietnam for just two weeks when she lost her life. She and the other young women who served as Donut Dollies, went into these war zones because they chose to serve our military men by bringing a piece of home to them in an attempt to take their minds off the war, if only for a few minutes. These young women were dedicated to a truly challenging job, not knowing what they would experience from day-to-day, but they gave their all.
We thank Karen Sankey for the photos included here. She also provided the following description of the days events:
“Ginny’s family was introduced, followed by the color guard presenting the colors, and the playing of the national anthem along with the raising of the flag. The wreaths shown in the photos were presented and placed near the painting of Ginny. Her sisters then spoke, as well as the Senator O’Brien, the president of Miami University of OH, local dignitaries and a Brookfield High School student.
A symbolic ribbon cutting took place, with Ginny’s sister Laurie doing the cutting. A 21 gun salute, followed by taps and a bagpiper’s rendition of Amazing Grace were performed, all to honor Ginny’s memory. The ceremony closed and a reception with the family followed, with coffee, donuts and pastries served.”
My sister, Emily Strange, a fellow Donut Dollie,who passed away last year talked about Ginny and worked to help Ginnie’s family come to the dedication of the women’s memorial in Washington DC. She would be so pleased to know about this recognition of Ginny.
There is not enough that can be said for Ginny and all the other ladies that served as Donut Dollies. I was serving as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam while she was there. I feel helpless not being able to be at the Dedication.
I thank the 25th Infantry Division for that floral tribute.
Sorry to hear about Ginny. I wasn’t aware that any of the Dollies were casualties there. I was on a Huey flight crew out of Danang that flew the Dollies around I-Corps many times.. Thanks to all of you ladies for coming, you did make a difference for many of us.
Do they know who killed these women?
If you search the name “Ginny kirsch” and Vietnam, you’ll find a few articles that give the background.
Ginny was my sophomore English teacher in the spring of 1970 at Badin High in Hamilton, OH. I was moved by her in class and saddened by her death. I keep her my prayers for her strength, dedication to us, and her service.
Thanks Miss Kirsch. Pat