PITTSFIELD, Mass. — County veterans gathered over the weekend to mark the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War's conclusion, recognizing the horrors that soldiers endured long after returning home.

Master of ceremonies Lenwood "Woody" Vaspra said when most Vietnam veterans returned, there were no tributes, recognition, speeches, parades, or even handshakes.

"For many of them, it was a horrible return home from Vietnam in a very chaotic time," he said to a crowd in Park Square on Saturday, National Vietnam Veterans Day.

The Vietnam War officially ended 50 years ago in May 1975. Fifty-two years ago, the last American troops departed Vietnam. The Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017 designated March 29 of each year as National Vietnam War Veterans Day.

"We're here to join together as a people, to honor the brave men and women who have stood in defense of our country and for all the countless men and women who are still serving in harm's way all around the world," Vaspra said.

He explained that this day provides the opportunity to pay special tribute to the many Americans who served in the war, the 58,281 names memorialized on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., and to those who never received the recognition they deserve.

"It is time to say thank you and honor all Vietnam veterans," he said.

During his remarks, Vaspra explained that many veterans have been able to re-enter society, go to school, find a job, and raise a family, but their war experience never went away.

"Many veterans to this day remain somewhat silent from their combat and traumatic encounters. Recently, a number of veterans are slowly coming out to share their stories with other counterparts, to find peace within," he said.

"It is now time to pay tribute to all veterans, our brothers and sisters that served on behalf of our country. We must continue to remember what all veterans did for this country. They gave their lives, whether they died in battle or came home and died later. They paid the ultimate price. The memories of our brothers and sisters must go on, and all must and will always remain in our hearts."

Wreaths were placed on the city's Vietnam War Memorial by representatives from the Vietnam Veterans of America James E. Callahan Berkshire Chapter 65, Korean War Veterans Association, Disabled American Veterans Chapter 15, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 448, American Legion Post 68, Dalton American Legion Post 155, American Legion Riders Post 155, Marine Corps League Detachment 137, Italian American War Veterans Post 75.

Pittsfield Community Television broadcast the ceremony.

The 27 Berkshire County casualties of 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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