SWAMPSCOTT — The Disabled American Veterans welcomed residents to the Senior Center to honor the town’s Vietnam veterans on Friday morning.
March 29 is recognized as National Vietnam War Veterans Day. Lynn and Swampscott Director of Veterans Services Mike Sweeney described how those who served in Vietnam were not always treated respectfully upon their return to the United States.
“We say things like, ‘They weren’t really welcomed home appropriately,’” Sweeney said. “But really, they weren’t… We hear terms like, ‘We no longer confuse the war with the warrior.’ That lesson had to be learned because of how America treated Vietnam veterans.”
After helping themselves to the numerous breakfast foods offered, attendees heard from DAV Cmdr. Jeffrey Blonder.
“I always tell people that the DAV is a service organization, it’s not really a social organization,” Blonder said. “We don’t sit around and talk about the good old days. We’re here to help you.”
Blonder was followed by different government officials who each expressed their gratitude to the veterans in attendance. Speakers included state Sen. Brendan Crighton, state Rep. Jenny Armini, Deputy Secretary of the Commonwealth’s Executive Office of Veterans’ Services Andrea-Gayle Bennett, and U.S. Rep Seth Moulton.
“My father served in World War II,” Armini said. “I just have the deepest respect and I feel an unbelievable debt of gratitude to all of you. I try in my work to honor you, and in that way, honor my dad.”
Moulton, a Marine veteran himself who served in Iraq, thanked the Vietnam veterans in attendance profusely. He discussed what drew him to serve his country.
“I just had more respect for those 18-year-old kids who put their lives on the line in our military than anyone else in America,” Moulton said. “I just said, ‘If they’re willing to do that, then I want to do that too.’”
Toward the event’s conclusion, veterans lined up to receive “Thank you for your service” coins from Moulton, and were individually acknowledged for their contributions.
