By Michael P. Walsh
Special to the Voice
Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, state Veterans Affairs Commissioner Ronald M. Welch and Mayor Dorinda Borer rolled out the red carpet for the city’s Vietnam War-era veterans during a ceremony at West Haven High School on Monday night.
In front of a patriotic crowd in the school auditorium, the “West Haven Vietnam-era Veterans Awards Ceremony” honored 148 West Haven veterans, men and women, who served in the U.S. armed forces from 1961 to 1975.
Hundreds of family members applauded as the veterans — some wearing military uniforms, some fighting back tears — received a citation for their service from Bysiewicz and Welch, along with a certificate of appreciation from Borer for “your contributions to the nation in the U.S. armed forces and your bravery during the Vietnam War era.”
Vets also received a commemorative “Vietnam Veteran” pin from the lieutenant governor and the commissioner.
The more than two-hour ceremony included poignant remarks by Bysiewicz, Welch, Borer, and West Haven Democratic State Reps. Treneé McGee and Bill Heffernan.
“We are here to recognize and celebrate West Haven’s Vietnam and Vietnam-era veterans,” Bysiewicz said. “Please give them a round of applause!”
The lieutenant governor continued: “We are so honored to be here in the company of a generation of men and women who had to go through a very difficult and challenging period in our country’s history and in the presence of people who actually served in Vietnam, who had to endure some very big challenges, like pounding monsoon rains, very intense urban combat, stifling jungle heat and exposure to toxic chemicals, like Agent Orange.
“Also, it was a very difficult time in our country’s history because, sadly, the American people were divided in their opinions about the war, and sadly and wrongly, they often took their displeasure with the war out on the people who were sacrificing and risking their lives to guard the very precious freedoms that we are so blessed to have in our country.”
Bysiewicz, who thanked Borer and City Hall employees for organizing and hosting the event, also underscored the two qualities of Vietnam veterans: resilience in the face of great difficulty and danger and a continued commitment to service.
The ceremony commenced with a presentation of the colors by the West Haven Police Honor Guard and followed with the singing of the national anthem by West Haven High sophomore Paige Kenny.
Army veteran Edward Wolkovitz led the crowd in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and read “My Guardian,” a poem he wrote two years ago about his experience in Vietnam. The specialist first class served in the 9th Infantry Division in southern Vietnam’s Mekong Delta during the Tet Offensive.
Borer thanked Bysiewicz and Welch, as well as McGee and Heffernan, for the good work they do for Connecticut’s veterans.
The mayor also thanked West Haven Municipal Veterans Rep. Rich Deso and the members of West Haven Vietnam Veterans Inc., which was represented by President Dave Ricci, who served in the Marine Corps, and Treasurer Steve Carney, who served in the Army.
“Tonight, with great reverence, we celebrate you, our Vietnam veterans, and commemorate the valor of a generation of men and women who served with honor,” Borer said. “I join the residents of our great city in paying solemn tribute to you, our proud veterans — men and women who left their families to serve courageously in the era of the Vietnam War. Today and every day, we strive to be worthy of your sacrifice.”
The mayor continued: “The Vietnam War is a story of patriots. Through more than a decade of combat over air, land and sea, they upheld the highest traditions of the armed forces, and more than 58,000 sacrificed all they had and all they would ever know in service to their country.
“Our hearts break and continue to break for the mothers, the fathers, the siblings and the friends of all that did not see their loved one return.”
According to Bysiewicz, 612 state residents died in the Vietnam War, including three from West Haven.
Borer also paid tribute to those who were prisoners of war and those who served and never returned home. National POW/MIA Recognition Day is observed annually on the third Friday of September, “and that’s why we chose this week to honor you,” the mayor said.
Before the award presentation, Bysiewicz invited veterans to share their stories. The lieutenant governor walked up and down the aisles and passed the microphone to several vets, including Daniel Durham, who talked about the “brotherhood” of the Navy, and Paul W. Bauer, who served in the Army and noted that there were no front lines in Vietnam, which forced soldiers to maintain constant vigilance, he said.
PHOTO CAPTIONS:
(Photo 007) — Vietnam Army veteran Mark Levine is honored by Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, center left, and Mayor Dorinda Borer, center right, at the “West Haven Vietnam-era Veterans Awards Ceremony” in the West Haven High School auditorium Monday night. Also honoring Levine are, from left, state Rep. Treneé McGee, Veterans Affairs Commissioner Ronald M. Welch and Rep. Bill Heffernan. Levine is a member of West Haven Vietnam Veterans Inc. and was the grand marshal of the city’s 2023 Memorial Day parade. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)
(Lt. Gov. in Crowd) — Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz invites Vietnam veterans to share their stories, including Navy vet Daniel Durham, smiling, during the “West Haven Vietnam-era Veterans Awards Ceremony” in the West Haven High School auditorium Monday night. Bysiewicz walked up and down the aisles and passed the microphone to several vets, including Durham, who talked about the “brotherhood” of the Navy. (City Photo/Alycia Sandella)
(Mayor) — Mayor Dorinda Borer pays tribute to the city’s Vietnam veterans at the “West Haven Vietnam-era Veterans Awards Ceremony” in the West Haven High School auditorium Monday night. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)