March 29 is the official date of National Vietnam War Veterans Day as proclaimed by President Trump in 2017.

This is not a day to debate the war. This is a day to honor the men and women who served proudly out of loyalty and love of country.

They gave their best, and, in many cased their lives, for the freedom and values of our way of life.

They earned the right to be called America’s war veterans, but many were ridiculed and shunned when they returned home from war. Vietnam is part of our history. Those who served deserved better than they got.

Etched in granite on the face of a Vietnam memorial in Buffalo, N.Y., are these words:

They answered when called,

asked for little and got less

and made us poorer for their passing

but richer for their sacrifice.

In remembering the dead

we embrace the living

For we ought to remember

Better than we do.

Paul N. Yeckel Jr.

Hempfield

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