American Legion recognizes Vietnam veterans 

Vicksburg’s history is rooted in the Civil War, but Americans feel the effects of the Vietnam War today.

The 2008 National Defense Authorization Act authorized the Secretary of Defense to begin a program to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War.

“The war actually started in 1959, once the Geneva Accord was signed, which divided Vietnam into two equal parts,” retired Colonel Benny Terrell said Sunday. “Once Russia supported the north and invaded the south, the United States, in order to stop the spread of communism, supported the south.”

American Legion Tyner-Ford Post 213 held a commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War Sunday at Vicksburg City Auditorium, where Terrell served as guest speaker. Immediately following the event, a monument honoring the Vietnam veterans was unveiled in front of post 213. Flags that were torn or ripped were burned during the monument’s unveiling.

The objectives of the ceremony were to thank and honor veterans of the Vietnam War, members who were prisoners of war or listed as missing in action, and to highlight the service of the Armed Forces, to pay tribute, and recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by allies of the United States during the war.

“As we remember Vietnam and honor Vietnam veterans today, your service to your county is not what I wish to address,” Terrell said.

“You did what you were asked to do of you country and you did a good job.”

Terrell addressed the failure of American citizens to give Vietnam veterans the respect they deserved when returning home from the war. The crowd of veterans applauded Terrell’s statement.

Terrell said veterans were targeted and ambushed by misguided individuals, who harbored the notion they were justified in treating returning veterans worse than second-class citizens, and barely as humans.

Among Vietnam veterans, 97 percent were honorably discharged, 91 percent said they were glad to serve and over 74 percent said they would serve again even knowing the outcome.

“We were young men and women tasked to do a difficult job in a very difficult circumstance and we did it well,” Terrell said.

Willie Glasper, commander of the Sons of American Legion Post 213 agreed with Terrell about the unfair treatment of Vietnam veterans.

Glasper said this is one of the few programs to give recognition of the Vietnam era veterans.

“It’s overdue. American Legion 213 is dedicated to the service of the veteran,” Glasper said. “Veterans don’t get enough recognition.”

Noland Smith, commander of American Legion Post 213, said members decided in January to build a monument to honor the veterans who served the war and were natives of Vicksburg and members of legion post 213, after President Barack Obama said a day to honor Vietnam veterans would be observed.

The monument took about six weeks to construct to build and was well received by businesses and members of the community.

Retired Sgt. 1st Class David Rorick enlisted in the Army National Guard after the Vietnam War, but thinks the monument is a wonderful step toward recognizing those who fought in the conflict.

“I think they will be pleased and it will mean a lot to those who see it,” Rorick said. “I hope more people become aware and I’m glad they did this.”