Michael Walsh, the keynote speaker, a former Navy SEAL, says 'healing takes time.'
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Of the 58,000 Americans who died during the decadelong Vietnam War, 27 hailed from Berkshire County.
Local veterans groups on Saturday honored those 27 and all who went overseas during that conflict. The local chapters of the Vietnam Veterans of America, American Legion, and Veterans of Foreign Wars held the hourlong event in Park Square, where the city's Vietnam War memorial has stood for the last 30 years.
"Until the end of time, we will honor the 58,000 patriots who sacrificed all they had and all they would ever know," Mayor Linda Tyer said.
Even though the war that began 50 years ago is long over, keynote speaker Lt. Cmdr Michael Walsh said the effects continue. Walsh served in the Navy SEALS for 26 years and was deployed on five tours of duty. He told veterans to "be proud of your service, not defined by it."
"Healing takes time. It takes patience. And it takes resolve, too. Once you achieve that realization of true self, that's what humility really is. A ton of weight is lifted off your shoulders and your spirit will strengthen and you will continue to endure. That's what soldiers do, we endure," Walsh said.
Walsh said there is a "stigma" with those suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injury and that they are victims of poorly executed wars. He said the condition lasts a lifetime and the United States doesn't treat it very well.
"We are woefully behind the eight ball in treating the physical, mental, and emotional cost of our actions abroad. We are making great strides in treating injuries of the cranial, posttraumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury. Before Vietnam it wasn't diagnosable and since Vietnam it is," Walsh said.
"What most veterans really desire is understanding of the sacrifice, respectful validation from our citizens, and timely and proper treatment."
Walsh said an average of 22 veterans die by suicide a day and that 100,000 veterans of Vietnam have killed themselves. He called for "posttraumatic growth" in which veterans heal their spirit, mind, and body.
"Freedom and liberty extract a very high price in blood and treasure. We gather here because most of us who have worn the uniform still believe in our original mission — to survive it all and improve the human condition," Walsh said.
In a 20-minute address, Walsh weaved through U.S. history emphasizing the county's principles of freedom and liberty. From the Revolutionary War to today, Americans have sacrificed much to protect liberty through continuous fighting since the French and Indian War.
"Given the facts of history, it is a reasonably sure bet such will remain the case for the indefinite future," Walsh said. "War, like pain and suffering, are part of the human condition. No one nation, not in all of recorded history, has shed as much blood as others as our nation."
The Dalton American Post 155 Legion Riders and Honor Guard, Marine Corps League Detachment 137, VFW Post 448, American Legion Post 68, Jewish War Veterans Post 140 and Italian War Veterans Post 7 all placed wreaths next to the memorial. The ceremony featured taps played Joe Difilippo and the national anthem being sung by 91-year-old Anthony Pastore.
"Today I extend my heartfelt apology and sincere gratitude for your service to a humbled nation," Tyer said. "We enjoy freedoms and liberties because of the valor, fidelity, and sacrifice by American armed forces."
The memorial was constructed in 1986 after a year or so of effort from veterans groups, according to Larry Caprari, former director of veterans services. Six years ago a plaque was added to the bottom of it with the names of the 27 Berkshire residents who died during the conflict.
"For all of us veterans, it needed to be done not only for our veterans and our families but for our community for understanding and sacrifices we all faced," Caprari said.
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