Vietnam vets honored at NAS Jax

The event began with the parading of the colors by the NAS Jax Honor Support Team and the benediction by NAS Jax Command Chaplain (Cmdr.) Michael Mikstay. NAS Jax Commanding Officer Capt. Jack Scorby Jr. then offered the opening remarks.

"Today, we remember the devotion and the gallantry of our Vietnam veterans - those who served, those who fought, those still missing and those who gave their last full measure of devotion for our nation. You were called upon to give all a person can give and you were prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice if it were demanded of you in the line of duty," said Scorby.

Congressman Ander Crenshaw, R-Fla. pays tribute to Vietnam veterans during a ceremony to recognize their contributions during the Vietnam War at NAS Jacksonville Nov. 9. More than 200 Vietnam veterans were honored at the event.

"Remember today that all of our Vietnam veterans have given us a lesson about caring for one another. Your devotion to your buddies in the battlefield carried over when you returned home and over the years, your genuine caring and camaraderie have become legendary. We celebrate your contributions and we honor your sacrifices whether you served in the air, at sea or in the jungle, your devotion is a source of pride for us all."

Scorby then introduced Greater Jacksonville USO Executive Director K.C. McCarthy who thanked all the sponsors and said, "The USO's presence during the Vietnam War impacted so many people. I recently ran into a man who talked about how after coming out of the jungle and seeing a USO hut and going in and getting a cup of orange juice had a lasting impact on him."

"Your USO here quietly goes about doing its business enhancing the quality of life for our military men and women and their families. Your USO in Jacksonville is working hard to say thanks to the men and women here carrying on your tradition," she continued.

Vietnam vets honored at NAS JaxVitale then took the podium to thanks the veterans in attendance. "It's a great honor and great pleasure for me to represent the men and women of the United States Navy and recognize the contributions of this very special group of patrons here today. Those of you here today who have borne the burden and experienced the fatigue of waging war in order to bring it to peace, I thank you and I thank you for the many men and women who are in our military today for your service to our country," stated Vitale. "Many have heard of the sacrifices made during the Vietnam War through books, movies, through history, but you experienced it.

Members of the NAS Jax Honor Support Team parade the colors at the beginning of the Vietnam War Commemoration Ceremony.

"You were there and no one will ever understand your sacrifice more than you. At the time, many of you didn't receive the thanks, accolades or the support that was rightfully yours. There were widespread disagreements about the war but your service must not be forgotten," continued Vitale. "We will learn nothing if we simply forget. So today, we proudly recognize the gallantry of our veterans who served the country at that time. You laid the path for the military we have today and we follow gratefully in your footsteps. I hope you are proud of us."

Vitale then introduced Crenshaw who has recognized more than 1,200 veterans from World War II and the Korean War in past ceremonies. "Today we are honoring the veterans of the Vietnam War. A lot of people say that the Vietnam War is one of the most misunderstood events in American history. A lot of you didn't get the recognition you deserved when you came back so this is just kind of a small gesture of our grateful appreciation for all that you did," remarked Crenshaw. "The Vietnam War was one of the longest conflicts American forces have ever known and one of the most deadly. Before the war ended in 1975, 58,000 lost their lives, another 304,000 were wounded but I don't have to relate the statistics to you because you were there. The Vietnam War was fought to prevent the rapid spread of communism. America has always stood firm on protecting freedom. Not just the freedom for ourselves, but the freedom of those who were often too weak to protect themselves. Yours was a noble cause and today we gather to say thank you for your sacrifices, for your incredible danger, for your hardship that you endured for your country for the ideals of freedom."

A group of Vietnam veterans pay tribute to the the flag during the playing of the nationa anthem by Navy Band Southeast.

Each individual Vietnam veteran was then recognized and presented with a certificate of Special Congressional Recognition in honor of their service to our country by Crenshaw and Vitale. One by one, they proudly accepted their certificates. "Many of us came home and did what we did and nothing was ever mentioned about Vietnam. Many of us spent a lot of time over there and it's nice to finally be recognized," said Vietnam veteran Tom Heffernan of Macclenny.

After every veteran was recognized, Scorby read Old Glory as members of each of the five armed services performed the passing of the flag. The flag was then presented to Vietnam veteran and former Prisoner of War Richard Stratton by Crenshaw.

The ceremony concluded with a 21-gun salute, the playing of Taps by members of Navy Band Southeast and the benediction.

"I think this was really nice for everyone because it's long overdue and any recognition the Vietnam vets get is great," said Vietnam veteran Robert Parsons of Lake City.

Commander, Navy Region Southeast Rear Adm. Michael Vitale thanks the Vietnam veterans for their service during the event.

Commander, Navy Region Southeast Rear Adm. Michael Vitale thanks Vietnam veteran Robert Wilkinson for his service during the event.

NAS Jax Commanding Officer Capt. Jack Scorby Jr. thanks Vietnam veteran Keith Helton for his service during the Vietnam War Commemoration Ceremony Nov. 9 at NAS Jacksonville.

NAS Jax Command Master Chief CMDCM(SW) Chris Green accepts the American flag from Staff Sgt. Eliezer Casas of the 832nd Transportation Battalion during the flag passing ceremony.

Congressman Ander Crenshaw, R-Fla. presents Vietnam veteran and former Prisoner of War Richard Stratton with the American flag after the flag passing ceremony.