National Vietnam Veterens Day 3.29.23, Remembering and Honoring Options

[KELTY360]

I just recently found out there was a day of rememberence for those who served in Vietnam. The date signifies the anniversary of the last serviceman leaving the country. This year is particularly significant as it marks the 50th anniversary of the end of US armed involvement in that war.

I served in Nam for 10 months during 1971-72. It was not by choice for me as I was drafted, like many others. This was a time when the war was winding down for the US as we tried to hand over control to the South Vietnamese Army (RVN). I was in a helicopter unit that was still fighting the war. During that time we lost 11 souls that will always be part of my psyche. Today is a time to reflect on all who served at a time when participation, voluntary or not, upheld the values or our country.

I salute all who went and solemnly honor those who didn't come home.

Marc Ogren, Sgt.
Bravo Troop, 1/9 Cavalry, US Army

[Lucky9146]

Thank you for your service out here to those that served!

The USS Midway in San Diego, the biggest attraction in San Diego BTW, held a remarkable event yesterday to honor The 50th Anniversary of the End Of the Viet Nam War and Viet Nam Veterans.

Being a annual pass member and Viet Nam Vet, my wife and I attended. A large turn out of dedicated souls braved the windy cold wet weather to sit on the flight deck of this mighty ship that played a key role in the last evacuation. I would guess there were more than 1000 Viet Nam Vets there PLUS families.

4 amazing speakers were there:

Col Jim Collins, US Marine Corps (Ret) Purple Heart recipient on a reconnaissance mission went on to become a distinguished pilot and squadron commander.

Roy A Knight, described what it was like to as an eleven year old to have his father shot down and be missing in action finally having his fathers remains returned in 2019.

Courtney Herrmann described what it was like to evacuate at the end of the war in 1975 as an 8 year old Saigon refugee aboard the USS Midway, eventually coming to Camp Pendleton.

CMDR Everett Alvarez US Navy (Ret) from Salinas CA, was shot down in 1964 and spent 8 years 7 months in brutal captivity at the well known Hanoi Hilton. He was the first American military aviator taken captive. Look him up he's an amazing person.

I saw several local news stations there shooting all kinds of footage; the color guard, the National Anthem, interviews of Veterans, the speakers, wreath laying, and much more. I was more than disappointed to see on the news last night, cover just less than 60 seconds of an event marking the 50th anniversary of the end of a very controversial war, and of more than a thousand veterans in partial rain, on the biggest attraction in San Diego. What a missed opportunity of recognition, not for myself, but for those still dealing with their experiences over there.

The USS Midway program and volunteers did a fantastic job. They really put in the effort and it showed. When I went to park they said "put your money away" Aboard it was just so welcoming. Glad to have been a part of it.

As for myself I served as part of Air Squadron VF211 out of NAS Miramar, aboard the USS Hancock CVA 19, as a jet engine mechanic for 10.5 months off the coast of Viet Nam during operation Linebacker in 1972 I had no ideal what Linebacker was until many years later after researching it!