Nearly 100 people turned out in the cold and wind at the Vietnam Memorial at the corner of Stacy Boulevard and Hough Avenue on Saturday to mark National Vietnam Veterans’ Day and the 50th commemorative anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War.
According to the program, the gathering included a welcome by Cape Ann Veterans Services Director Vionette “Vee” Chipperini, a Pledge of Allegiance led by Mike Cody and Herb White, and a blessing by Ron Arabian.
Attendees also heard a greeting by Mayor Greg Verga, a Vietnam-era history by Joanne Curcuru and “Remembering Our Own” biographies read by Ruth Pino.
Gold Star families laid a wreath at the memorial and attendees observed a moment of silence and heard “Taps” played by Jim Dalpiaz.
“This year’s ceremony welcomed Gold Star Families, inviting them to help lay a wreath in honor of their loved one’s memory,” Chipperini said in an email. “Barbara Kitchenmaster, sister of 1st Lt. Thomas J. Burke, laid the wreath in memory of her late brother, killed in action.”
A veterans breakfast followed the ceremony with about 100 people at the Captain Lester S. Wass American Legion Post 3 on Washington Street. The breakfast was catered by the Sons of the American Legion. CATA’s Gloucester Trolley offered transportation services to and from the service to the legion post.
“The Vietnam Committee, in collaboration with the Cape Ann Veterans’ Center, would like to express our gratitude to everyone who attended the National Vietnam Day Ceremony,” wrote Curcuru on the Gloucester Things Facebook page. “Once again, you all demonstrated your courage and resilience by braving the cold and windy weather.” The ceremony can be watched on 1623 Studios’ YouTube site.
Memorial Day services on Monday, May 26, will honor seven surviving spouses impacted by the detriments of Agent Orange, Chipperini said in an email.
The tactical herbicide was used by the military to control vegetation during the Vietnam War, with exposure to it posing long-term health problems for veterans.
© American Military News