“Welcome Home” was the message at this year’s Veteran’s Day parade, as former military service men and women were honored and thanked for their service to the country.
American flags lined Greenwich Avenue as businesses stood still momentarily while Greenwich residents and elected officials applauded the veterans’ march down the avenue.
“Greenwich has held this rich tradition through the leadership of American Legion Post 29,” First Selectman Peter Tesei said of the Veteran’s Day wreath laying. “I think it’s wonderful each year to see the recurring faces who have deep in their heart the admiration for all those who gave of themselves so we can live free.”
“The importance of our veterans allow us to live and exist in this beautiful country and today is our day to salute you and say thank you for all you gave to us.”
Veterans marched down Greenwich Avenue in military gear and equipment. They included Major Creighton Reed, who wore the same military boots he wore in Vietnam in 1967 when he was first sent there.
Receiving special recognition at this year’s festivities were veterans who served in Vietnam. They shared their thoughts with the public in attendance.
“We have found in our town more than 50 men who were deployed to the Vietnam War living among us,” event organizer Bruce Winningham said. “Most of them have never met each other or can’t recognize each other’s names.”
Former Vietnam veterans reminisced on their days in service and remembered the sobering and sometimes difficult parts of their home-coming.
“I was 19, fresh out of high school and in a far away land,” said Greenwich resident and veteran Bob McKnight. “Toting 60 to 80 pounds on our backs and rifles in our hands, we patrolled eight to 10 miles by day. The climate was no more accommodating, with temperatures over 100 degrees with 80 percent humidity, which ultimately morphed into weeks of torrential rain. Combine this with the constant din and smells of war, and humanity was tough to maintain. Beyond the barbed wire and circle bases was an all-encompassing war zone. Our only creature comforts came from stale cigarettes, C-rations and our beloved poncho liners, which served as shelter, blankets and pillows. Hot meals, clean clothes and mail deliveries were few and far between.
“Our credo then serves me well today: You’ve never lived until you almost died. I stand before you as an American veteran with no regrets.”
Returning from Vietnam was bittersweet for some veterans. As it progressed, the war grew to be uniquely unpopular in our history, and civilians too often lost sight of the sacrifice that the men and women of the military had made.
Veterans asked for the continued support and care for current service men and women who are overseas.
“I think the thing we want to take away from today is that we have troops coming home now and we don’t want to wait 10 or 15 years to honor them,” Mike Funck, a U.S. Army veteran, said.
“They’ve made the physical and mental sacrifice, but they’re home now, so whether it’s jobs or different ways of supporting people, reach out and do something for the returning veterans now. That will make every Vietnam veteran very appreciative of what you do.”
Among the groups of veterans were the Cos Cob Riders, a local motorcycle club with deep military roots.
“There are mixed emotions,” Paul Romanchuk, a lifelong Cos Cob resident and member of the Riders, said. “You’re happy and you’re sad. You’re happy that people remember the veterans, but you’re sad for the people that we lost.”
Romanchuk, a disabled veteran, served for three years before dislocating both of his shoulders and receiving an honorable discharge. Though the morning was wet, Romanchuk couldn’t help but notice the drizzling rain coming to a stop just before the parade.
“Even mother nature is on our side today.”
