VFW’s Sunday service recalls those captured, killed and missing in conflict
By Mary Ellen Day, Special Writer
The empty chair and place setting was symbolic of the message of the Vietnam War remembrance ceremony held Sunday afternoon by the members and ladies auxiliary of Veterans of Foreign Wars Thomas J. Kavanaugh Post 2290.
Similar observances to recall prisoners of war and those missing in action were performed all over the state. Master of Ceremonies Andy Henkel asked the gathering to take notice of the table setting at the front.
”It is set for one, symbolizing the fact that members of our armed forces are missing from our ranks,” he said. “They are referred to POW/MIAs. We call them brothers. They are unable to be with their loved ones and families today. So we join with them in this humble tribute.”
Post Commander Charles Goodyear said the VFW and its Ladies Auxiliary joined the day’s commitment to honor comrades who died in the Vietnam War.
”They made some great sacrifices,” he said. “They gave their lives to keep America free. For it is only through their heroic efforts that America enjoys the freedom and prosperity.”
Red, white and blue carnations were placed by veterans, along with a wreath, to symbolize those who are still missing.
Borough Council President Mark Gregor gave words on behalf of the mayor and council. He introduced council members Steve Szabo, Rich Onderko and Sue Asher, who were in attendance.
”Today we pause to reflect on the service of those who fought for our country in the Vietnam War,” he said. “We remember those who lost their lives over there and in the years since. We give our thoughts to the families and loved ones left behind and we acknowledge the wounds of war and the hurt that remains for so many. We do this as one community giving the respect that is owed to those who carried our flag and who wore our uniform.”
State Assemblywoman Donna Simon attended. She said, “I couldn’t be prouder to stand in your presence to remember those who gave their lives in the Vietnam War and to thank those who returned home from their service. This was not a popular war. The United States was embroiled in controversy over the draft and civil rights.”
She concluded with “On this day we should take a moment to stop and reflect on the horrors of that war and to honor those standing among us here today, those who have the vivid memories or fallen friends and comrades in arms. We may never personally be able to truly understand what you went through, but you are due our respect and gratitude for your personal sacrifices through your service under the red, white and blue of our flag.”
New Jersey State Ladies Auxiliary Department President Deborah McLendon spoke by telling a little history most people will never know about the Vietnam Wall that honors those who served.
8 women are on the Wall, nursing the wounded. ’&’——”For most Americans, they will only see the numbers that the Vietnam War created. To those of us who survived the war, and to the families of those who did not, we see the faces, we feel the pain that these numbers created. We are, until we too pass away, haunted with these numbers, because they were our friends, fathers, husbands, wives, sons and daughters. There are no noble wars, just noble warriors,” she said.“”