UTICA  — Local Vietnam-era veterans received pins and signed proclamations from the president of the United States to thank them for their service and mark the 50th anniversary of the war. 

50 Forward Mohawk Valley, a 50th Anniversary Commemoration Partner of the Vietnam War and Central New York Veterans Outreach Center, held a pinning ceremony for nine Vietnam-era veterans on Wednesday, March 29.  

National Vietnam War Veterans Day is on March 29. This is because on March 29, 1973, the United States Military Assistance Command, Vietnam was disestablished, the day that the last combat troops left Vietnam, and the day that Hanoi released the last acknowledged prisoners of war.

Vincent Scalise, executive director of the Central New York Veterans Outreach Center, thanked the veterans for fighting for the needs of Vietnam veterans and acknowledged their enduring legacy.  

“The services that we’re able to offer now, we’re able to offer because you guys spent years lobbying the government, fighting with the [Veterans Administration], … to be able to have them accept the responsibility to take care of the veterans and their families,” Scalise said. “What we’re able to do as a veteran outreach center is directly related to the efforts all of you put forth for the last 50 years.” 

Kelly Walters, executive director of 50 Forward Mohawk Valley, said that her father was a Vietnam veteran, and her uncle was killed in Vietnam, so the commemoration ceremony was very close to her heart. 

“We shouldn’t forget and we should commemorate,” Walters said. “A lot of you who came home weren’t welcomed home. My father tells stories about taking off his uniform as soon as he got home because he didn’t want people to know he was in the service.”  

By the end of the Vietnam War, it had become very unpopular with the general public, and most veterans who returned home from Vietnam were met with scorn from Americans and with indifference from the government.  

Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. spoke about his personal connections — his father was a World War II veteran and two of his close cousins served in Vietnam. 

“For those who did come home and those who didn’t, we respect, we honor, we continue to respect what they did and to try to right the wrong of so many years ago,” he said. 

“I’m glad we’re moving forward and we have days like today — it’s every day — but days like today where we can come together as a community and continue to pin more veterans and give thanks to those who served this country,” Picente added. 

Lucretia Hunt, speaking on behalf of Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon, said that Buttenschon has veterans in her family and that she is very proud of them and others. 

“We’re very proud of what you’ve done and what you’ve accomplished, what you’ve suffered for us, and we thank you very much,” she said. 

State Sen. Joseph A. Griffo, who could also not be in attendance, signed a resolution declaring March 29 Vietnam War Veterans Day in the state of New York.     

The day honors every person who served on active duty in the U.S. armed forces from Nov. 1, 1955, to May 15, 1975, regardless of their location. 

Candy Curry, chair of the 50th Anniversary Commemoration Committee of the Vietnam War, said that each person who served during this time deserves a profound thanks.  

“Our veterans answered our country’s call and served with honor, and on March 29, 1973, the last of our troops left Vietnam. And yet, in one of the war’s most profound tragedies, many of those men and women came home to be shunned or neglected. To face treatment unbefitting their courage and unworthy of their example,” Curry said. “We must never let this happen again.” 

The veterans received a pin with an eagle inside a blue circle, surrounded by a laurel wreath.  

Chris Emerson, a Vietnam-era veteran, honored the prisoners of war and those missing in action who are not here today. 

At the front of the room, there was a table, set for one with an empty chair, to symbolize the people who have not returned home. Emerson led a moment of silence for those who are prisoners of wars or missing in action.  

“This table is our way of symbolizing that members of our profession of arms are missing from our midst. They are commonly called POWs or MIAs, but we call them brothers and sisters,” Emerson said. “They are unable to be with us this day, and we remember them.”