By Amy Hensel
ahensel@cherryroad.com

Reflecting on the courage, sacrifice and resilience of Vietnam veterans and their families

Oscoda County Veterans commemorated National Vietnam War Veterans Day March 29, honoring the men and women who “answered the call of duty during one of America’s most challenging conflicts.”

During the opening prayer, veteran Rich Landry asked that this observance be a reminder that “freedom was purchased at high cost and should not be taken for granted,” and at the conclusion said, “Let us not forget those who never returned. We pray that a full accounting of them will be obtained one day soon.”

Landry continued with a short speech about the annual observance set on March 29, the day in 1973 when the last U.S. combat troops left Vietnam and the remaining prisoners of war were released. The war spanned nearly two decades and affected millions of lives.

“Over 8.7 million Americans served in the U.S. Armed Forces,” Landry said. “Nearly 3 million of them served in Vietnam itself, enduring extreme conditions, unimaginable hardships and a constant risk of danger. More than 58,000 Americans never returned home. Many others came back bearing difficult and invisible wounds.”

All those who served played a vital role, not just on the front lines, but in support positions across the globe.

“They sacrificed time with families, their personal safety, and for too many, their health and well-being. Each of them carries stories of bravery, of loss, of camaraderie, and of resilience,” he continued. “Alongside them are millions of families who also bore the weight of war, waiting anxiously for their loved ones to return, supporting them through difficult times, and by standing by them in ways we can never fully comprehend.

“Honoring Vietnam veterans is not just about recognizing their service, it’s about ensuring that no generation of veterans is ever treated with the same neglect and disregard that so many of them faced. It is about learning from our past and making sure that all who wear the uniform of the United States of America receive the respect and support they deserve.

“Today we acknowledge the courage of those who fought and died; the strength of those who made it home; and the deep scars, both physical and emotional, that many still carry.”

The ceremony was attended by 18 people. Coffee, provided by Deer Camp Coffee-Mio and pastries, provided by Fairview Food Market, were offered to all attendees. The event was held indoors, due to cold, rainy weather, the early stages of an ice storm which caused extensive damage and knocked out power in much of Oscoda County.