Vietnam Veterans Honored at Snowy Pittsfield Ceremony
 Wreaths are laid at the Veterans Memorial at Park Square to mark the 50th anniversary observance of the Vietnam War on Saturday morning. See more photos here. |
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Stepping to the podium as the snow fell on Saturday, Marine John Harding said it was a morning for "recruiting."
He joked that it took "guts" to attend under the winter weather conditions, which therefore made everyone fit for military service.
Keynote speaker's comments were rewarded with laughter from the small gathering at Park Square to observe the 50th anniversary of the start of the Vietnam War.
But Harding's address took a more somber turn as he recalled being "in the jungles," where he and his fellow soldiers "found what the loss of youth and innocence meant."
Harding served in the Marine Corps from 1963-1966. He was deployed all over the Pacific and was awarded the Veteran of the Year award in 2010.
He described the experience of combat and losing friends to violence as the "surreal elements" of war, and emphasized that the "loss of dignity" was as much to be mourned as the lives of those killed or missing in action.
"[They] never got the recognition they deserved," Harding said, looking around at the crowd.
"Now they do."
The James E. Callahan Chapter 65 of the Vietnam Veterans of America held the memorial ceremony in Park Square.
Though the weather was snowy and windy, there were about 30-40 people in attendance, including veterans and retired service members from many organizations of the Veterans Coalition.
Among those represented were the Marine Corps League, Jewish War Veterans, Disabled War Veterans, Italian War Veterans, Dalton American Legion Post 155, Pittsfield American Legion Post 68, and Pittsfield Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 448.
Michael Case, retired command master sergeant, served as master of ceremonies. He led the progression of the ceremony at a brisk but unhurried pace: honoring the services of the veterans but being mindful of their well-being out in the elements.
The Rev. Stevens opened with a prayer, calling for peace for all nations and blessing for those Americans who have served their country.
The national anthem was powerfully sung by Anthony Pastors, accompanied by Rob Putnam on the guitar.
Opening remarks were given by Mayor Daniel Bianchi, whose message to the veterans and their families was that it was "important to give tribute" to those service members who had traveled to fight in a country that was so "off America's radar" at the time.
He emphasized the tragedy that was the entire Vietnam War, and especially those killed or missing in action who were "denied the appropriate recognition" of their sacrifice until many years later.
Bianchi also encouraged the veterans in attendance to be mindful of younger generations of military service members coming home from places like Afghanistan and Iraq — to bridge the age and situational gap and offer support and wisdom for veterans from every background.
Harding said the thanks belonged to the Navy and Army medics who "had to see every firefight" and all the members of each military branch who signed up to serve.
He, like Bianchi, urged veterans to "never turn their backs" on former military members, both past and present.
He closed by describing a song he had written many years ago that his friend David Grover would play. Grover, who was in attendance, shared an anecdote of when he "practiced the guitar madly" in anticipation of his friend John Harding coming home from overseas.
The ballad he sung spoke of memories, of the ties that bind, and of the "echoes" and "shadows of the past."
Guitarist (and Central Regional Berkshire School District Superintendent) Rob Putnam followed with a rendition of "Johnny Comes Marching Home."
Case said Putnam was "back by popular demand," and the crowd enthusiastically sang along with him.
The ceremony then moved to the placing of five wreaths on the Veterans Memorial at Park Square by representatives from the VVA, Dalton and Post 68 American Legions, Marine Corps League, and Daughters of the American Revolution.
Afterward, Case read aloud the names of the 27 Berkshire County residents who were killed in action. Resounding after each name was a shout of "Killed in action, Sir!" from two veterans placed on opposite ends of the assembly. The acknowledgment coming through a curtain of snow made for a very poignant moment.
The ceremony closed with a volley by the Dalton American Legion Honor Guard, followed by taps played by Dick LaFlamme.
Afterward, Case invited all present to join the veterans at the nearby American Legion for refreshment – which many eagerly accepted.
Tags: anniversary, monument, park square, veterans,
