By Julia Barcello
“Today, we have the opportunity to say thank you. Welcome home. God bless you, your beautiful families, our great state, and our wonderful nation,” expressed Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, when welcoming over 80 Vietnam War veterans and their families at a ceremony honor their service held Monday evening at the Arch Street Teen Center.
The ceremony began with singing the National Anthem and God Bless America, and a prayer from Father Carl McIntosh of Saint Roch Church.
Beginning the event, Bysiewicz explained the tremendous importance and significance of honoring Vietnam War veterans who were wrongfully ignored upon their return to the United States in 1973.
“Sadly, when you [veterans] came home, you were not given the accolades the celebration and thanks that the veterans of World War Two received… If you served in Vietnam, you had to endure some conditions that were some of the worst our servicemen and women ever faced,” expressed Bysiewicz.
Wynn McDaniel, member of the Daughters of the American Revolution [DAR] explained her hopes that the event will help people acknowledge the sacrifices the veterans made for the nation.
“That they feel like they are recognizing the service that veterans gave our country to protect our freedoms, people forget about it,” said McDaniel.
When discussing the commemoration of these veterans, First Selectman Fred Camillo explained the importance of considering freedom in America.
He said, “I hope that people will take time to reflect the freedoms they enjoy every day. And it’s because of veterans like this that we have our quality of life.”
During her welcome, Bysiewicz further expressed how this observance gave friends and families of veterans, and the people of Greenwich a chance to demonstrate their appreciation to these intrepid veterans.
“So today we have the opportunity to try to in a small way, redress some of the terrible things that you [veterans] had to endure when you came home… not being treated with the dignity and respect that you earned by serving our country,” said Bysiewicz.
With immense gratitude, Connecticut State Senator Ryan Fazio discussed the significance in honoring the Vietnam veterans and the understanding of the Vietnam war for the future generations of America.
Fazio stated, “We must pass along the lessons of our history to the next generation. In a time with declining civics, education or patriotism, this need becomes even more urgent.”
Fazio further explained that this wisdom will help America prosper as a united nation, “If we pass along the knowledge of our past, the sacrifices of these great veterans and the love of the nation that they sacrifice for, then we will stand a chance of making our nation perfect. That is our responsibility.”
Closing the event, nearly 15 veterans recounted stories of their time in Vietnam and gave advice to current and future generations. Each veteran had the opportunity to discuss their gratitude towards their service.
Veteran Joel Brian, who served as a second battalion, seventh Marines explained his reaction to being drafted.
“On really one week’s notice I was assigned to ship out for my arrival in Vietnam, it was with great anxiety and trepidation.”
Brian is now a practicing plastic surgeon in Greenwich, he explained, “When I came back from Vietnam, I wanted to do surgery that made people happy, and not have to deal with people who are sick or dying. And I became a plastic surgeon.”
Similarly, veteran Dan Lipmas who served as a Sargent explained the inhumanity of the Vietnam War and closed his story with a poignant statement, “With the help of all the guys [veterans] in this room. We won the Vietnam War.”
Veteran, Joseph Kantorski, a registered conscientious objector (one who is against serving in the armed forces for moral or religious reasons) who was taught how to work in surgery as an upgraded technician in Frankfurt, Germany, expressed his apperception for his experience in the military and ended with one message.
“I have a very simple message; the idea of America needs all of us to support in any way we can,” stated Kantorski.
