Vietnam War veterans from PebbleCreek gather for the March 29 Vietnam War Veterans Celebration (photo by Alisa Moore)
Alisa Moore
The Vietnam War era was marked by turmoil that escalated during the many years Americans served in the far-away country. But the nation has recognized that those who served should be acknowledged as we do those who served in any American conflict. The Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act, enacted in 2017, designates March 29 of each year as National Vietnam War Veterans Day. On that day in 1973, more than 50 years ago, the last U.S. combat troops were withdrawn from Vietnam and the last prisoners of war held in North Vietnam arrived on American soil.
One hundred PebbleCreek residents from the various branches of the military who served in the conflict were brought together by Vietnam veteran and fellow resident Chuck Veltri, organizer and emcee for the occasion held March 29 in the Chianti Room of Tuscany Falls. The attendees’ afternoon began with the Pledge of Allegiance, an invocation, and an introduction of those who had received a Purple Heart for injuries suffered. Mr. Veltri’s empathetic words noted that for many, “the time they spent in service to their country was the most emotional thing most of them experienced” and that “despite the fact that many continue to be impacted” by their time in the war, “they served proudly.” He said that “millions of men and women served, including 6 million volunteers” and that “97% of all, whether drafted or volunteers, were honorably discharged.”
The YouTube video ‘Tribute to Vietnam Veterans’ narrated by Sam Elliott, provided photos, memories, and statistics. Mr. Elliott said, “In the last eight years of the conflict, Americans would never lose a major confrontation with the enemy. The Vietnam War Memorial (the Wall) in Washington, D.C., lists the more than 58,000 Americans lost. More than 1,600 are still missing and unaccounted for.”
Speakers provided information on assistance available to veterans through the American Legion and Veterans Service Offices and the Arizona Department of Veterans. Speakers from the Honor Flight Network Arizona, part of a national nonprofit organization that arranges transportation for Vietnam War Veterans to tour Washington, D.C., and visit the Wall, explained how veterans who had not yet participated could sign up. The group makes three to 10 trips annually; since 2009 they have hosted more than 3,000 Arizona vets.
The final speaker was PebbleCreek resident retired Admiral Vern Clark, Chief of Naval Operations (the head of the United States Navy, CNO) from 2000-2005, and former member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The second-longest serving CNO, he has received numerous military decorations for his service, including four awards of the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, three Navy Distinguished Medals, and three of the Legion of Merit. He spoke about his time working with young servicemen and women, the challenges many experienced during their service and upon their return to the United States, how bravely they had served, and how committed they had been to their comrades-in-arms.
The end of the afternoon included a group photo and drawing for raffle prizes, including a moving framed photo of the Wall.