A Thank You for Greenwich Veterans

Photos from the Nov. 11, 2015 Greenwich Covenant of Military Care Community Walk and ceremony. Credit: Barbara Heins.

The damp, gusty winds and spritzes of rain were not a challenge for the more than 50 Vietnam War veterans who were recognized for their service at the annual Greenwich Covenant of Military Care Veterans Day walk in downtown Greenwich Wednesday.

Several veterans spoke of their experiences in Vietnam fighting the war that divided America and led to a lack of acknowledgement of the service that tens of thousands of young Americans gave for their country.

A half-century after they served, local veterans received a hearty and well-deserved thank you from Greenwich residents.

Army veteran Bob McKnight spoke of the marching through the country’s jungles as a 19-year-old, in tropical downpours. “We were the boots, the grunts...the infantry. I won’t tell you about the bite of a fire ant or the leeches. Hot meals, mail from home were few and far between,” McKnight said to the more than 400 gathered in front of the Greenwich War Memorial on Greenwich Avenue.

He said he and his fellow infantrymen lived by the credo, “you’ve never lived until you’ve almost died.” Gesturing towards the Vietnam Memorial, the Greenwich High School grad said, “These are my heroes, these are the names of my classmates.”

Several vets spoke of their experiences, some of the challenges during their tours. But all were grateful to have returned home, despite the lack of recognition for what they had done in a war “determined by civilians.”

Local businessman Carlo Cantavero, who graduated Greenwich High in 1965, recalled how locals “rejoiced when (veterans) came home. I knew many of those whose names are on this monument. And I’m still hoping they did not die in vain.”

The sentiments expressed by Liz Repaci about her former brother-in-law Army Cpl. Donnie Repaci who died at the age of 20 in Vietnam, epitomized the focus of this year’s Community Walk — to honor and thank those who served, as organized by Bruce Winningham, a founder of the Covenant of Military Care.

She recalled the “hero’s welcome” and honors bestowed upon Donnie Repaci when his body was returned home for his funeral. “We are here today for those who returned home and were not given the respect, the honor Donnie was given. Through your service we have what we do in America. God bless you and God bless America.”

Winningham called out the names of each Vietnam vet from Greenwich attending so they could gather in front of the memorial where they were feted with a long round of applause.

The walk began at the top of Greenwich Avenue, escorted by the Greenwich Fire Department who drove several World War II veterans in their rig, and the Greenwich Police honor guard and motorcycle unit.