Gratitude and Regrets at 50th Anniversary of Vietnam Withdrawal
Speakers voiced gratitude for veterans' efforts and sorrow for their treatment later.
By Frances Ruth Harris
A commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of Vietnam Withdrawal, held at Soldiers and Sailors Park on March 29, drew a crowd that included veterans with recollections of the Vietnam War that still rankle. Following the Pledge of Allegiance and the chaplain's prayer, Jim Mulligan, Commander of American Legion Post 139 Milford, reviewed Vietnam War statistics.
"From January 1, 1965 to March 28, 1973, a total of 2,594,000 U.S. troops - including 7,484 women - served within the borders of South Vietnam,” he said. “During that same period, a total of 3,402,100 U.S. troops (including 514,300 offshore) served in the Southeast Asia Theater, which included Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand and the South China Sea." In the war, 58,281 U.S. troops were killed. To this day, many more are dying from Agent Orange and suicide."
Mulligan contended that words that would mean the most to any veteran and first responder are, "Thank you for your service."
Also noted was The Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017 that was signed into law by former U.S. President Donald Trump, designating every March 29 as National Vietnam War Veterans Day.
Gregory Protsko, Commander for the Mountain Laurel Post 8612, gave a speech acknowledging Vietnam veterans as “everyday people made extraordinary by events beyond their control.” He also pointed out the lingering physical and psychic injuries particular to the Vietnam War that persist and deserve attention:
“They did their duty not out of bravado or boldness,” he said, “but out of a sense of duty, and because they had a deep and abiding love for their country. Quite simply, they believed in the promise of the American dream and the essential goodness of America.”
“But problems arose that were unique to Vietnam — both chemical and psychological:
“The use of toxic chemicals like Agent Orange resulted in a 15-year fight for presumptive compensation,” said Protsko. “Still today, our Vietnam veterans continue to suffer from unrealized effects of that toxic exposure ... and we continue to stand up for them through legislation like the PACT Act to ensure they, and all the veterans that have come since, receive the care they deserve.
“And while they continue to fight the physical long-term effects of war, they continue to battle an invisible foe. Post- traumatic stress disorder produced a need for veteran centers which finally became a reality in 1979. Renewed and innovative employment programs were called for, and an extension of veterans’ preference was launched.
“Though long overdue, today America recognizes each and every Vietnam veteran who did not receive the proper welcome home they earned and deserved. It is time for the nation to give our Vietnam veterans their due and thank them for their noble efforts and achievements. Vietnam veterans are worthy of every praise, monument, and memorial we could offer.
“But the best way to honor them is to ensure that every new generation of veterans is appreciated and receives the dignity, respect, and welcome home they have earned. Making sure every veteran receives the benefits and entitlements they deserve is one way of maintaining a link to the thousands of men and women who helped secure so many blessings for us.
“As we gather here to recognize National Vietnam War Veterans Day, let us remember that today is a day to reach out and touch those from whom we have asked so much. It is a day to be thankful that such people stepped forward when needed, because without them, we wouldn’t be here today.
Thank you for your service, and welcome home.”