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Date: 4/4/2023
CHICOPEE — City leaders and members of the public honored the Vietnam War veteran community on March 29 at River Mills Senior Center. The day, known nationwide as Vietnam War Veteran’s Day, boasts additional significance as the country remembers the 50th anniversary of the United States exiting the controversial war.
This year marks the second ceremony hosted in honor of Vietnam War Veteran’s Day. The Chicopee’s Veteran Services Office’s initial plans for a gathering in 2020 were put on pause due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Before the ceremony, patrons journeyed through a display of artifacts from local veterans and also paid tribute to the 15 Chicopee residents who died during the war. Those residents include Mark Rivest, Robert Dowds, Edward Stefanik, Robert Gagne, John Laskowski, Robert Litwin, Harold Gilbert, Thomas Wilk, Roger Dumont, Carl Glasscock, Michael Bouchard, Edward Downey Jr., Zygmunt Jablonski, Donald Kulacz and Robert Tolpa.
The posting of the colors and a prisoner of war missing in action remembrance speech by Chicopee Veterans Advisory Board member John Beaulieu preceded opening remarks from Mayor John Vieau.
“Welcome home to our Vietnam veterans,” said Vieau.
The mayor discussed Chicopee’s history as a veteran proud city, with 2,000 Vietnam War veterans and 5,000 veterans residing in the city. He mentioned how the city’s partnership with the Westover Air Reserve Base remains a source of pride for the community.
Vieau reflected on the importance of honoring the sacrifices of the veteran community. He thanked them and their families for making a tremendous contribution to the country, stressing that their efforts should never be forgotten.
“We never forget, and that’s something I am proud of as a city … Chicopee will always be a veteran proud city,” said Vieau.
Westover Air Base 439 Airlift Wing Acting Commander Col. Travis Board spoke on his father’s service during the Vietnam War. He shared that his father did not discuss his experiences until years before his death.
Contemplating on the Vietnam War and his father, Board said veteran service organizations gained newfound significance after the war. He said they remain vital entities today in supporting veterans recovering mental and emotionally.
“We learn a lot out of every war … we learn a lot about what needs to happen post-war,” said Board.
State Sen. Adam Gomez (D-Springfield) highlighted his father, Gumersindo Gomez, for his service during the Vietnam War. He shared that 3 million American citizens served in the war, with 50,000 casualties and 300,000 injuries occurring during the United States’ eight-year involvement in Vietnam.
“This is an important reminder of the sacrifices of those who served in the war,” said Gomez.
State Sen. John Velis (D-Westfield) said that there are “so many lessons to be learned” when looking back at the Vietnam War. He expressed remorse over the way Vietnam War veterans were harshly treated upon their return home.
“You heard things like baby killer, you were afraid to get things thrown at you if you wore your uniform,” said Velis.
Upon his return home from service in Afghanistan, Velis said he received warm greetings from a group of Vietnam War veterans. He paid tribute to the strength and resiliency of veterans from that war who continue to leave a positive impact.
“The group who could be forgiven for having a grudge, not only did not have a ground, they have single handedly made a decision to have a mission in life that they will never allow another group of veterans to experience what they experienced,” said Velis.
State. Sen Jacob Oliveira (D-Ludlow) recognized the importance of veteran service organizations. He stressed that the veteran community should continue to be honored for their efforts.
“We should honor, respect and take care of our veterans when they return home,” said Oliveira.
State Rep. Michael Finn (D-West Springfield) said the importance of military service was instilled into his upbringing by his father, who served in World War II. He said he is proud to work in a legislature that continues to support the veteran community, with Massachusetts securing the most veteran benefits out of any state in the country.
“I am eternally grateful,” said Finn.
State Rep. Shirley Arriaga (D-Chicopee) served in the Air Force before her political career. She stressed the importance of paying tribute to veterans for their sacrifices.
“Not everyone who has served this country has received the respect they are owed … What you did and continue to do for our country should not go unnoticed,” said Arriaga.
The ceremony additionally featured a musical performance from the veteran group DK Great and a tribute to the 15 Chicopee casualties from the Vietnam War by Vietnam Veterans Chapter 111 President Delfo Barbarani Jr.