Vietnam veterans honored at Yonkers ceremonies

Vietnam veterans were honored in Vietnam Veterans Recognition Day ceremonies at Yonkers City Hall on March 28. After the indoor ceremonies, those attending went outside where a flag honoring Vietnam veterans was raised on one of City Hall’s flagpoles.

Mayor Mike Spano noted that veterans of the Vietnam War did not always receive the honors and respect they deserved.

“When they came home they were shunned by many,” Spano said. “It wasn’t a good time. We have tried over the last 10 or 20 years to change that.”

Spano said that the U.S. has enjoyed the benefits of freedom as a result of the many sacrifices that were made by those who fought in Vietnam. He said that the U.S. is the beacon of light it is in the world because of what its servicemen have done.

“Vietnam Veterans Recognition Day recognizes over 9-million U.S. armed forces who have made a profound difference in the future of this planet,” Spano said. “Let us pause to remember the sacrifices made by those who served and the resilience that they displayed in the face of adversity.”

Spano said that people need to unite and demonstrate unwavering support for Vietnam veterans and their families.

“We all stand together with them in solidarity. Let us also recognize that our duty to our veterans extends beyond today,” Spano said. “Let’s continue to support veterans, their causes and ensure that they receive their health care. Far too many veterans are unemployed. Far too many veterans suffer from mental illness. We need to make sure that we come together and that we are there for our veterans.”

Rev. William E. Norman, director of the city’s Department of Veteran Services, who served in the Marine Corps, said over 58,000 members of the military were lost in the Vietnam war, with more than 1,600 still listed as missing in action.

“We are here to acknowledge those who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam and honor those who served during that era,” Norman said.

Spano presented a proclamation to mark the occasion to Commander Vincent Tilson of the American Legion 1017 Samuel H. Dow Post in Yonkers.

A laptop computer was presented to a young veteran, Antonio Sanchez, who is about to enter college and did not have one.

The names of servicemen from the area who died in Vietnam were read and a trumpet solo of Taps was played.