Vietnam War Veterans Day Commemoration Honors Local Veterans

(Croton-on-Hudson) The Polly Cooper Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution partnered with the Fox-Eklof American Legion Post 505 to honor the service of Vietnam veterans from our area during a poignant National Vietnam War Veterans Day Commemoration Ceremony held on March 29, 2025, at the Harmon Firehouse in Croton-on-Hudson. Fifty-two Croton residents were honored for their service as well as two veterans from neighboring towns.

American Legion Commander, William Tuttle, began the ceremony with welcoming remarks, stressing that this day was to celebrate and honor the veterans who fought in the war ; regardless of individuals' feelings about the war itself, we owe these veterans our respect for performing their military duty.

The ceremony began with a moving Remembrance Service for those servicemembers who are prisoners of war or missing in action (POW/MIA). Veterans Janet Meyer and Alan Colbran explained the symbolism behind the Missing Man place setting.

Veteran Joseph A. Martinelli provided a history of National Vietnam War Veterans Day, while Polly Cooper Regent Rosemarie Schmidt emphasized the importance of supporting veterans. She stated, “Today is an opportunity for us to acknowledge you, our veterans, who faced immense challenges, often returning to a nation that did not always understand or appreciate your experiences and sacrifices.”

Emotional biographies of servicemen PO3 Daniel Birch, Cpl. Carl Hixon, and Specialist E4 Peter Mitchell, all of whom were killed in action, were shared and Sgt. Lawrence Chiulli, Jr. read the obituary of one of these fallen solider as gold star family members fondly recounted their memories of their loved ones.

Veterans Ed Riley and Robert Anderson shared some of their experiences but focused more so on their difficulties upon returning home. and assimilating back into a normal life. They count themselves among the lucky ones, having found a support system. They noted that not every Vietnam Veteran has been as fortunate with the incredibly high suicide rate amongst Vietnam Veterans as well as the number of Vietnam Vets suffering health related illness from their exposure to Agent Orange.

Victor Messick highlighted the supportive role his mother played while his father was deployed and the impact that deployment had on him and his sister. He commented that he was glad to know that this day also recognized the spouses and families of those who served.

Several officials were in attendance and presented proclamations, including Mayor Brian Pugh and Town Supervisor Dr. Richard Becker. Vietnam veterans were awarded a commemoration Vietnam Veteran lapel pin provided by the U.S. Department of Defense and were welcomed home finally with the words, "On behalf of a grateful Nation, we thank you for your service".

The ceremony ended with the presentation of a wreath to memorialize the over 58,000 servicemembers who gave their lives during the Vietnam War in service to our country.

DAR members Kim McCrea and Muriel Stegmann handed out information on National Vietnam War Veterans Day, Presidential Proclamations from Presidents Trump, Biden and Obama, and DAR Vietnam War challenge coins.

Polly Cooper Chapter, NSDAR was established in Chappaqua, New York, and our service projects have supported education and literacy, historic preservation, conservation initiatives, veterans and active-duty service members, genealogy research, naturalization ceremonies for new citizens and more. Now is a great time to discover if you have an American Revolutionary ancestor as our nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026.For more information about the Polly Cooper Chapter, NSDAR, their activities, and membership, please email the chapter at info@pollycooperdar.org.