NEWBURGH – The Newburgh Unity Armory was packed with hundreds of people on Saturday – veterans of all services, families, friends and area residents who turned out to honor the men and women who fought in the Vietnam War.
The pinning ceremony was to mark the 50th anniversary in the war in Southeast Asia.
The event was billed as a pinning ceremony to thank those who served and to remember those who did not return.
“Sadly, many Vietnam veterans were denied a proper welcome when they returned home after bravely serving our country on the battlefield,” said Orange County Executive Steven Neuhaus, a naval officer who attended the event. “Their service and sacrifices will never be forgotten, and we appreciate the many contributions that these men and women have made to Orange County.”
He called the event “a touching and fitting tribute to all of those who served and perished during the 20-year conflict.”
Orange County Veterans Service Agency Head Christian Farrell thanked the veterans who did not come home to parades. “They came home to people that didn’t respect them and wanted nothing to do with them. They paved the way for the service men and women who are in the military today. Let’s stand and give them thanks for their sacrifice,” he said.
