Sheriff Smith, left, greets vets, hands out service pins
CASTLE POINT – In recognition of the sacrifices of Vietnam War
veterans, advocacy groups and elected officials, Tuesday afternoon, honored
those who served, along with their loved ones, during a Castle Point VA
Hospital ceremony that was part of a 13-year commemoration of the 50th
anniversary of the war.
On Memorial Day of 2012, President Barack Obama announced the 13-year commemoration. Although the actual start date of the war is debatable, the 50th commemoration will end on the true last day of the war.
Putnam County Sheriff and retired US Army Brig. Gen. Donald Smith believes
no amount of time is sufficient enough to honor the brave men and women
who served in Vietnam, not even 13 years. He said the reason why the commemoration
is so significant is because people should be reminded of the freedom
they enjoy, but don’t always acknowledge, was protected at one time
by a veteran.
“I think it was very important that we honor their service,” said Smith. “I think it’s important that each, and every, as we live in this country and we enjoy this great democracy and all the freedoms we have in this beacon of freedom, hope and justice, throughout the entire world, that our freedom isn’t free. It was bought and paid for by those who loved this country so much that they marched to the sound of the guns,” he said.
Former Air Force mechanic, and Vietnam veteran, Doug Powers, said the recognition now is a welcome surprise, especially because many Vietnam veterans were not welcomed, or thanked, upon arriving home. However, even though he appreciated it, he said it was emotionally intense.
“It was very nice; very emotional for me though,” Powers said. “Like the one fellow was talking about there, it’s survivor’s guilt is what it is,” said Powers. “You come home and a lot of buddies didn’t come home. No particular ones in my case, but there was so many that did come home in caskets, but it is a great feeling that you’re getting the recognition, the ‘thank you’ for serving.”
Veteran Michael Hartnet, who served with the Army’s 25th Infantry, agreed with Powers. “This is very nice, just in recognition of the guys who are still left,” Hartnet said. “Thank you. Great event! The VA here is very helpful to the veterans in many ways and this is one way that they assist.”
With the Vietnam veteran population growing older, many suffering from Agent Orange, some still missing benefits or medals they earned, at least the ones who attended the ceremony were happy to have been given the thanks and recognition, even though many of them felt they were just doing what they were supposed to, making it all the more important for those they served to remind them that they are, in fact, heroes.
