Staff report
Bladen County, North Carolina, came together on Friday, March 29, 2024, to pay tribute to the courageous men and women who served during the Vietnam War. Organized by the Bladen County Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Chapter in Elizabethtown, the event held at 10:00 AM was a poignant moment for both participants and attendees alike.
Vietnam Veterans Day holds a special significance in the hearts of many Americans, commemorating the sacrifices made by Vietnam veterans and their families. This national observance, established by the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act in 2017, is a solemn reminder of the challenges faced by those who served during a tumultuous period in American history.
The event, hosted on the Bladen Community College campus, honored Vietnam-era veterans with a series of heartfelt tributes and recognitions. Each Veteran recognized was presented with a Vietnam War Veterans Commemorative Lapel Pin, symbolizing the nation’s gratitude for their service and sacrifice.
Guest speaker Thomas Martin, a retired Army officer and Vietnam veteran himself, delivered a moving address, reflecting on his own experiences and the enduring legacy of those who served during the war. Martin’s distinguished military career and unwavering commitment to service resonated with attendees, reminding them of the profound impact of Vietnam veterans on their communities and the nation.
The ceremony, organized by the Bladen County VFW Chapter, featured a sequence of events designed to honor and commemorate Vietnam veterans. From the presentation of colors by the West Bladen High School JROTC Color Guard to the singing of the National Anthem by Darryl Rutland, each aspect of the program paid homage to the bravery and sacrifice of those who served.
Leon Grimes, the local Disabled Veterans Outreach Program Specialist, expressed the significance of this occasion and the importance of celebrating the brave individuals.
As the names of Vietnam veterans were read aloud, the audience was reminded of the individual stories and sacrifices behind each name, offering a poignant reminder of the human cost of war.
Vietnam Veterans honored during the event were as follows: Roy Allen,
Gary Arsenault, John Blanchard, James R. Bishop (Barbera),
Thomas Brooks, Wayne Cox, Carlos Deandrade, Bobby Devane, Donald Dove, Walter Drummond, William Fiegiel, Oliver Gause, John Guions
Hubert Guyton (Jacquiem), Lee Hauser, Robert Hester (Jaunita), John Hurley (Peggy), Rufus Johnson, Walter Johnson, Neil King, Jim Lane, William Lewis, Bradley Ludlum (Judy), Bobby Ludlum, Thomas Martin, Johnny McKoy, Tommy McKoy, Floyd McNight, Wallace McQueen, Darrell Page, lim Page, Dennis Pait, William Robeson, Wayne Schaffer, Dennis Troy, Ronald Walts, Ander Wilds, Ronald Wilkins, Horace Wyatt, Thomas Wynn.
Addressed to the Vietnam Veterans, a heartfelt tribute expressed gratitude and respect for those who served and continue to carry the burdens of their service. The phrase “To the Vietnam Veteran” encapsulates the myriad challenges and hardships faced by those who served during the Vietnam War. It acknowledges the often-overlooked struggles that many veterans confronted upon their return home, including:
- Returning to Silence: Many Vietnam veterans returned home to a lack of recognition or appreciation for their service. Some of the Veterans reported they arrived back home to no one waiting to greet them, facing a profound sense of isolation and disconnection from their communities.
- PTSD and Trauma: Veterans grappling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were often told that their symptoms would fade with time. However, the reality proved to be far more complex, as many continued to grapple with the emotional and psychological scars of war long after their return.
- Lack of Acknowledgment: A significant number of Vietnam Veterans were never thanked or welcomed home for their service. This lack of acknowledgment compounded their feelings of alienation and contributed to a sense of abandonment.
- Nightmares and Triggers: The trauma of war lingered for many Veterans, manifesting in nightmares and triggering reactions to everyday sounds and sights reminiscent of their time in combat. The sound of a backfire or a helicopter could evoke intense feelings of fear and anxiety.
- Health Issues: Veterans exposed to Agent Orange, a toxic herbicide used during the war, continue to suffer from its long-term effects. Many are still battling health issues related to exposure, adding an additional layer of physical and emotional burden.
- Battlefront and Homefront: Vietnam Veterans faced battles not only in the jungles of Vietnam but also upon their return home. They navigated the challenges of reintegration into civilian life while coping with the trauma of their wartime experiences.
- Loss and Remembrance: For some Veterans, the Vietnam Memorial Wall serves as a stark reminder of the friends and comrades they lost in combat. The painful reality of having more friends memorialized on the wall than alive today underscores the profound sacrifices made by those who served.
The event held in the honor of the Vietnam Veterans acknowledges the resilience, courage, and enduring legacy of those who served during one of the most tumultuous periods in American history. It serves as a tribute to their sacrifices and a reminder of the ongoing need for recognition, support, and healing for Vietnam veterans and their families.
The Post Commander of the Bladen County VFW, Dana Mills, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to bring together the community to recognize and pay tribute to the brave men and women who served during the Vietnam War. The outpouring of support and gratitude from attendees, veterans, and their families was overwhelming, highlighting the profound impact of honoring our nation’s heroes. He said, “I am proud to have been part of this meaningful event, and I extend my heartfelt thanks to all who contributed to its success.”
Special thanks were extended to organizations and individuals who supported the event, including Barefoot Sandwich Shop, Bladen Community College, American Legion Post 404, Disabled American Veterans Robert Curtis Hester Chapter 99, the N.C. Department of Commerce, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8062, among others.
As Bladen County continues its tradition of honoring its veterans, events like these serve as a reminder of the enduring legacy of service and sacrifice that defines the Vietnam generation. Through remembrance and recognition, communities come together to honor the heroes who bravely served their country during one of its most challenging chapters.
Reference links:
Honoring Bladen County’s Vietnam War Era Veterans: A Tribute Event
About Author
