Vietnam vets honored at NAS Jax ceremony

The event began with several patriotic numbers by the Fishweir Elementary School Chorus and the parading of the colors by the NAS Jax Honor Support Team as the Navy Band Southeast's A Cappella Vocal Quartet performed the national anthem. NAS Jax Command Chaplain (Cmdr.) Gerald Felder gave the benediction. NAS Jax Commanding Officer Capt. Jack Scorby Jr. then offered the opening remarks.

"Today, we are here to honor our uniformed and civilian men and women and remember the devotion and gallantry of these Vietnam veterans - those who served, those who fought, those still missing and those who made the ultimate sacrifice. We are here today to pay tribute and honor your courage, your commitment and your absolute devotion to duty," said Scorby. "You are the unsung heroes. You left quietly and you returned quietly. Your stories, your courage, your sacrifices often went unheard. Today, we celebrate your contributions and we honor your stories, your courage, your sacrifices," said Scorby.

Congressman Ander Crenshaw gives his remarks during the annual Vietnam War Commemoration Ceremony that honored more than 200 Vietnam veterans at NAS Jax.

Scorby then introduced Greater Jacksonville USO Executive Director John Shockley who thanked all the sponsors and said, "I want to say how proud the USO is to be associated with events such as these. We, with the support of our sponsors we can continue to take care of all our active duty and retired service members," he said. Shockley also mentioned that the USO Mobile Canteen was on display at the event and invited the guests to visit the vehicle.

Alexander then took the podium to thanks the veterans in attendance. "This is a great opportunity to honor our VVIPs, or very, very important persons - those Vietnam veterans who are with us today. Thank you so much for being here, for your service and for giving us the opportunity to recognize the contributions you have made. You served your country with honor," stated Alexander. "You made huge sacrifices and served at a time when it wasn't necessarily popular to serve in the U.S. military and frankly, you weren't treated the way you should have been treated.

But in spite of that, you served admirably, returned home and you set the bar for the rest of us demonstrating honor, courage and commitment. I am indebted to all of you. The year I turned 18, was the last year of the lottery. It was the downside of the Vietnam War, so I didn't have the opportunity to serve my country in that timeframe. But, I would have been honored to serve alongside each and every one of you."

Congressman Ander Crenshaw and Commander, Navy Region Southeast Rear Adm. Tim Alexander congratulates Vietnam veteran Paul Davis and his 97-year-old mother, Olive Davis, who served a nurse during World War II during the ceremony.

Alexander then introduced Crenshaw who has recognized more than 500 Vietnam veterans in past ceremonies.

"The Vietnam War was one of America's longest conflicts and one of the most deadly. Before the war ended over 58,000 Americans died, another 304,000 were wounded but I don't have to tell you all the statistics because you were there. 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.

"This ceremony is long overdue. It's just a small gesture for us to show our appreciation for your service and for what you gave to your country. Upon your return, some spat on you and put down your good names. But over the years, you made your influence known as you took your place in the fabric of America and went about the task of rebuilding your lives," he continued. "Yours was a noble cause and today we gather to say thank you for your sacrifices and hardships."

Vietnam veteran Walter Peterson is congratulated by Congressman Ander Crenshaw and Commander, Region Southeast Rear Adm. Tim Alexander at the Vietnam War Commemoration Ceremony Nov. 9 at NAS Jax.

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 Alexander. One by one, they proudly accepted their certificates.

"I think this is a fantastic event and I'm very appreciative of the local military and Congressman Crenshaw recognizing us. And, I got to see some people I haven't seen in a long time," said Ronald McKinney, an Army veteran who served in Vietnam.

"I'm very impressed with this ceremony. We had a high school reunion not too long ago and of the 86 of us there, 21 of us were veterans. Remember what era it was, we didn't have the choice back then," added Vietnam veteran Mick Miller, who served on board USS Power (DDG 839) homeported at NS Mayport. "To be part of this event today is just super and very emotional. And, it's nice to see a lot of people that I haven't seen in a lot of years,"

IT1(AW) Stacey Thinn salutes during the flag passing ceremony that was performed by members of all branches of the U.S. Armed Services.

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 Byron Fuller by Crenshaw. Fuller spent nearly six years imprisoned including 25 months in solitary confinement. He has earned the Navy Cross, two Silver Stars and two Purple Hearts.

"I accept this for all Vietnam vets - all 8.2 million of them, including 3.5 million who served in-country, the 58,000 killed in action, the 1,800 missing in action and the 303,000 wounded," Fuller said. "You are the bravest bunch of warriors I have even known."

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

Members of the NAS Jax 40 MM Saluting Battery Team stand by to perform the 21-gun salute to conclude the ceremony.

"Today is one of the greatest moments for me - it's really big. Forty-two years ago, we never thought we'd be recognized like this. I am so very proud to be here today," said Vietnam veteran Walter Peterson of Jacksonville who served with the 11th Army Cavalry Regiment.