Hello Westfield – hope you have all had a wonderful week. With yesterday, March 29th, being National Vietnam War Veterans Day, I wanted to use this week’s update to pay tribute to Westfield’s approximately 1200 Vietnam War Veterans.
I have often said that the way Vietnam Vets were treated when they returned from war is one of the worst black marks on American history. After months or years fighting a bloody stalemate in the depths of the jungle, Vietnam War Vets often came home to protests and demonstrations. They were spat on, yelled at, and generally disrespected. Their treatment by the public and the government were a far cry from how their fathers were treated following World War II. These men fought bravely and served their country, but their service often went punished or ignored in the years following.
When I think about my own experiences returning home after war, it gives me a heavy heart to think that the warm welcome and support my fellow post-9/11 Vets and I have received was not available to our Vietnam Vets. Nowadays, servicemen and women are offered welcome home bonuses, military discounts, and countless “thank you”s – something they all deserved, as well. However, even in the wake of so much disrespect and injustice, when I returned from Afghanistan, the first people to extend their hands in friendship were the Vietnam Vets. I will forever be grateful for their kindness and understanding.
The observance of National Vietnam War Veterans Day was officially established in 2017 by President Trump who proclaimed that, “Throughout this Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War, and every March 29 thereafter, we will honor all those who answered our Nation’s call to duty. We vow to never again confuse personal disapproval of war with prejudice against those who honorably wear the uniform of our Armed Forces. With conviction, our Nation pledges our enduring respect, our continuing care, and our everlasting commitment to all Vietnam veterans.”
So in that spirit, I would like to reaffirm my commitment to keeping Massachusetts the best state in the country for Veterans, and say THANK YOU and WELCOME HOME to all our Vietnam Vets. I’m sorry those words have come fifty years too late.
