Vietnam veterans decry snub by West Springfield

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Native Vietnam Warfare veterans are upset as a result of there was no day of recognition this yr and there will probably be no parade included within the West Springfield’s Memorial Day celebration.

The Vietnam Warfare Veterans Day is held nationally on March 29, to suggest the day the final U.S. fight troops departing from Vietnam and the discharge of prisoners of warfare in 1973.

At a City Council assembly on Tuesday, native veterans got here out to precise their grievances to the city.

“It felt like we acquired spit within the face when there was no celebration for Vietnam veterans,” James Borrelli of 194 Bernie Avenue stated. “As my fellow veterans can let you know once we got here again, they did spit in our face. Not having a Vietnam Day in West Springfield was spitting in our face once more. We don’t prefer it and that’s the reason we’re right here tonight.”

In line with Borrelli, he began the Veterans Council 21 years in the past. He stated the city used to carry a parade annually the place wreaths had been positioned on 86 graves in remembrance and honor of the killed in motion in World Warfare II, Korea, Vietnam, the Revolutionary and Civil Wars.

“These persons are getting disrespected,” he stated. “We don’t suppose it’s proper.”

Albert Kallock who grew up on Piper Street and was drafted into the Vietnam warfare whereas residing in West Springfield.

Kallock who presently lives in Agawam stated he wouldn’t classify the state of affairs as a slap within the face, however the celebration is critical for veterans’ sense of belonging.

“Coming again was a troublesome time for lots of us and for us to have that celebration on the frequent is form of to say, ‘hey we’re nonetheless collectively,’” he stated. “It might be a lot appreciated. … there’s a good contingent of Vietnam veterans on this city.”

In response to veterans’ considerations, Mayor William Reichelt stated, “We acknowledge the frustration of the Vietnam veterans that was voiced at Tuesday’s City Council assembly and prolong our sincerest apologies that the city didn’t have a recognition occasion for Nationwide Vietnam Warfare veterans day this yr.”

Councilor Brian Griffin requested who made the choice, the way it was made and if that motive could possibly be made public.

“The dearth of an occasion was resulting from unexpected circumstances past our management, however the city is dedicated to making sure that there’s a devoted occasion for this essential commemorative day shifting ahead in order that the numerous contributions and sacrifices of Vietnam veterans are appropriately acknowledged,” Reichelt stated.

For the previous a number of years the city has hosted a Memorial Day ceremony in recognition of fallen army personnel and whereas this yr won’t function a parade, the city will proceed to carry a Veterans Day parade in recognition and celebration of all those that served nation.

“We have now acquired very constructive suggestions concerning the ceremony format for Memorial Day given the somber nature of the vacation,” Reichelt stated.

Further complaints by veterans included accusations that the present director of the Veterans Service Group will not be responding to calls in a well timed method.

Nick Smith is the the Director of Veteran Affairs is presently on go away, in response to Reichelt, however workers have made preparations to make sure that Veterans are receiving all the advantages and companies to which they’re entitled.