Vietnam Veterans Honored in Annual Pittsfield Ceremony
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — More than 70 people gathered at Park Square on Saturday to commemorate National Vietnam War Veterans Day and recognize the 27 Berkshire County residents who were killed in action during the war.
"Vietnam Veterans Day is the day that we honor and recognize all the veterans who served during the Vietnam War, all served with honor dignity during this time," said Lawrence Caprari of James E. Callahan Berkshire Chapter 65 of the Vietnam Veterans of America.
"It is also the time to reflect and honor and respect with pride those who served in the Republic of Vietnam, and especially the remembrance of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, in Vietnam, they were our sons, our daughters, fathers, husbands, school mates, relatives, and neighbors."
This year, the day of remembrance falls on Tuesday, March 29. Local veterans have been holding the memorial ceremony for 46 years.
Keynote speaker John Harding, who is a Marine Corps veteran, spoke of the need to pray for veterans who are fighting in Ukraine after it was invaded by Russia in February and for the service personnel protecting America's freedom.
"While listening to a pre-recorded music program on the TV, they played a beautiful, peaceful, relaxing melody that calmed me down from all the turmoil and the stress in the world events," Harding said.
"The title was 'Journey to Peace.' I thought that was appropriate to what the situation was and what I was listening to."
He said it made him think back to how Vietnam veterans have gained significant recognition over the years and how it is people like those in the audience that made it happen.
"It is so nice to hear from people, young and old, say thank you for your service," Harding added.
Mayor Linda Tyer was unable to attend the event but sent her deepest gratitude to all who served for their courage, condolences to those who were lost, and a call for peace and freedom to the United States and nations around the world.
The national anthem was sung by veteran Mike Bradley, the volley was conducted by the Dalton American Legion Post 155 Honor Guard, and taps was played by Vietnam veteran Joseph DiFilippo.
This event was sponsored by the James E. Callahan Berkshire Chapter 65 of the Vietnam Veterans of America.
Also during the ceremony, an invocation was read by the Rev. Cara Davis of First Church of Christ and the benediction by Don Fyfe, also of First Church of Christ.
Attendees were invited to light a candle at a memorial shrine in the church after the ceremony.
The 27 Berkshire County residents who were killed in action during the Vietnam War:
- James Henneberry
- George Shufelt
- Francis Bissaillon
- David Borey
- Edward Jarvis
- John Pratt
- Kevin Aldam
- Russell Roulier
- Paul Cronk, Jr.
- Paul Conner
- Chester Witanek
- Howard Luscier
- Peter Cook
- Patrick Muraca
- Gary Benjamin
- John Malloy
- Michael Casey
- Charles Jaquins
- James Termini
- Michael Whalen
- Charles Cummings
- William Coakley
- Peter Foote
- Richard Davis
- John Hartlage
- Paul Krzynowek
- Tristan Hayes
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