LI Vietnam Veterans To Receive 50th Anniversary Medal At American Airpower Museum

FARMINGDALE, NY — Long Island’s Vietnam War veterans are set to receive the Vietnam 50th Anniversary Commemorative Medal at the American Airpower Museum in Farmingdale at 11:30 a.m. May 11, the museum announced with the Long Island Air and Space Forces Association.

The solemn ceremony signifies the anniversary of the official end of United States involvement in the Vietnam War. It will honor 30 local veterans who served in all branches of the U.S. Military during the Vietnam War period.

The United States Department of Defense (DOD) Vietnam 50th Anniversary Commemoration program has been going on for nine years now and will end at the conclusion of 10 years. The Long Island Air and Space Forces Association (LIAFA) is a DOD 50th Anniversary Commemoration Sponsor.

Local public officials, as well as the honorees' families, will be on hand for this historic ceremony.

"This special ceremony honors Vietnam veterans who will receive long overdue recognition and thanks for their service" said Fred DiFabio, president of the LIAFA, who served in Vietnam, according to a news release. "Honoring our Vietnam vets with the commemorative medals means a lot to these guys, especially since their families will also be there to bear witness."

Colonel (ret.) Bill Stratemeier, LIAFA treasurer and a U.S. Air Force pilot who flew supplies into Vietnam between 1972 and 1974, will conduct the ceremony.

"Many vets were criticized for their service in Vietnam, but we’re proud to honor them over five decades later," Stratemeier said.

He said LIAFA began honoring Vietnam veterans with the commemorative medals in 2015.

"To date, LIAFA has honored over 1,300 veterans with such medals," he said.

One of the reasons American Airpower Museum (AAM) was chosen for this ceremony is their exhibits include actual Vietnam era fighter-bomber aircraft that were used during the Vietnam War.

"Our museum is the ideal site for these veterans and their families to gather, commiserate and reminisce," said Jeff Clyman, AAM president. "Please come and applaud our home-grown heroes, show them respect, that we appreciate and honor their service."

The ceremony will include a presentation of colors, introduction of distinguished guests, dignitary comments, presentation of medals and the singing of 'God Bless America' and the national anthem. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla Band will perform the popular 'Armed Forces Salute,' featuring the six official melodies of the U.S. Armed Forces: Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Forces and the Coast Guard.

The program is free and open to the public.