The second annual “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day,” hosted by the Tioga County Veterans’ Service Agency, was held on March 29. The day began at 9:30 a.m. with a wreath laying ceremony at the Vietnam Memorial on the grounds of the Tioga County Courthouse, and was followed by a ceremony and luncheon at Owego’s VFW Post 1371 located at 207 Main St.
The Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017, a bipartisan legislation that unanimously passed both chambers of Congress, designates March 29 of each year as National Vietnam Veterans Day.
Vietnam Veterans Day commemorates the sacrifices of Vietnam veterans and their families and is part of a national effort to recognize the men and women who were denied a proper welcome home.
At the ceremony, recognized and honored were all Vietnam and Vietnam Era Veterans for their selfless service, the families of those killed in action in Vietnam, and families of Vietnam veterans who have recently passed away, along with Gold Star families.
Following the presentation of colors by the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 480, Rev. Wayne Sibrava, a retired U.S. Air Force veteran, offered the invocation. Proclamations were delivered by Marte Sauerbrey, Tioga County legislative chair; Town of Owego Supervisor, Don Castellucci; and Deputy Supervisor and Vietnam veteran, Dean Morgan; and from Senator Akshar’s office, a New York State Proclamation was read by John Holton, director of the Tioga County Veterans’ Service Agency. Also acknowledged in attendance was a representative from Senator Anthony Brindisi’s office.
Holton remarked, “You (Vietnam veterans) have earned and deserved this recognition for far too long, and from this day forward, it is our goal to acknowledge your honorable service.”
All Vietnam and Vietnam-era veterans at the ceremony received a keepsake pin, and all were thanked and welcomed home.
Siblings of Wayne Carlson, who was killed in action in Vietnam, sister Judy Frisbie, and brother, Barry Carlson, attended the wreath laying ceremony and the VFW event. Carlson’s name is engraved on the Vietnam Memorial in Owego.
Frisbie commented, “Our brother, Wayne, was 18 when he signed up with the Marines, and he died a year later at age 19. We are overwhelmed that they (Tioga County) do this in tribute of the fallen,” adding, “It means so much to us, and it finally cements how important they all are.”
Guest speaker, retired U.S. Army Colonel and Vietnam veteran, Benjamin Margolius, asked veterans to stand to be recognized, and also gave a nod to all of the families who have supported them.
Margolius remarked, “When we came home there was no welcome, and many of us were afraid to wear our uniform.”
Margolius explained that his involvement with the Southern Tier Veterans Support Group has been a way for him to give back. Margolius acknowledged the growing statistics of suicide among veterans, as well as the ongoing issue of supporting veterans who have endured hardships associated with Agent Orange.
Margolis remarked, to a round of applause, “Effective yesterday the head of the Veterans Administration made a statement that as of the first day of April, 90,000 who served under the Blue Water Navy will be eligible for Agent Orange compensation.”
Margolius encouraged veterans to seek services of area organizations, and several of which were present at the event. In addition, he shared that Broome County is renovating the former Vestal Hills Country Club into a veterans facility which will also assist Tioga County veterans, and will be a one-stop-shop which will also house the offices of several veterans’ service organizations.
The ceremony concluded with an announcement that Tioga County is a “Purple Heart County.”
Holton said, “With the help of many, and especially the County Legislature, we have worked very hard to bring this day about.”
Sauerbrey announced, “On March 21, the Tioga County Legislature passed a resolution to name Tioga County as an official Purple Heart County. The resolution recognizes and honors the service and sacrifice of men and women who were recipients of the Purple Heart during military service,” and she added, “Tioga County joins nearly 1,500 other governments across the country that have adopted resolutions or proclamations to designate Purple Heart localities. This is our way as a community to honor, respect and treasure all veterans and their sacrifices.”
Sauerbrey further explained that it seemed fitting to announce and proclaim Tioga County as a Purple Heart County on such a significant day as Vietnam Veterans Day.
William Nazario, representative of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, added, “This sign represents an educational tool.”
Signs are to be installed in 11 locations across Tioga County when the weather is appropriate.
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