Terry McGuire, public affairs specialist for the VA Western New York Healthcare System and retired lieutenant colonel of the U.S. Army, facilitated the Dunkirk ceremony as a Federal commemorative partner for the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration.

McGuire began by recalling his return home from Iraq in 2003. “There was an officer by the name of Colonel Miller who said when we left Iraq, ‘Look, when you guys come home, you’re going to be treated like heroes. But I want you to just reach out to your fellow Vietnam vets and welcome them home as well.'”

Upon returning home to the Niagara Falls Air Reserve station, McGuire and others were surprised. “Who was there to greet us? Vietnam Veterans of America, Post 77. We couldn’t believe it. It was nine degrees outside and they greeted us in the air base. Your generosity, you paved the way for us to feel welcomed home. You obviously had a very difficult return to the United States, no matter where you served, whether you were in Germany, Guam or Vietnam itself, in the air, on the sea. I just want to say thank you for everything you’ve done to pave the way for younger veterans that have come after us.”

McGuire read President Trump’s proclamation in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War, which was issued in 2017 as part of the 13-year commemoration of the anniversary of the Vietnam War that began in 2012.

Dunkirk residents Sandra Tapasto and Cliff Murphy were honored at the Dunkirk VA Clinic on Wednesday for their service in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps and 1st Cavalry Division, U.S. Army, respectively, during the Vietnam War.

“Fifty years ago, in 1967, nearly 500,000 American troops served in South Vietnam, along with approximately 850,000 troops of our allies…I cherish this opportunity to recall, with humility, the sacrifices our veterans made for our freedom and our Nation’s strength…Throughout this commemoration and every March 29 thereafter, we will honor all those who answered our Nation’s call to duty. We vow to never again confuse personal disapproval of war with prejudice against those who honorably wear the uniform of our Armed Forces. With conviction, our Nation pledges our enduring respect, our continuing care, and our everlasting commitment to all Vietnam veterans,” McGuire read.

McGuire encouraged all in attendance to reach out to their fellow veterans, especially the younger generation returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan. “Over 20 veterans a day commit suicide,” McGuire acknowledged. “Of those 20 that die, 14 have never been in a VA facility, so over 70 percent that have lost their lives, they never received any counseling or any care through the VA. The message is, come to the VA and let’s see what we can do. Give us a chance.” McGuire thanked and recognized each veteran individually with a lapel pin, a presidential proclamation and information about VA health care and benefits.

Most veterans stayed to enjoy the refreshments and the evident camaraderie, including Dunkirk residents Sandra Tapasto and Cliff Murphy. Tapasto was the only female Vietnam veteran present at the ceremony. She served in the United States Army Nurse Corps from 1967 to 1971 in the Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas and at Camp Zama Hospital in Japan during the war. “I was at Camp Zama taking care of our troops when they got hurt in the field,” Tapasto explained. “I wanted to go to Vietnam, but the general said, ‘No, you have to go to Japan!'”

“We were glad we had people like her,” Murphy pointed out. A Dunkirk resident, Murphy said, “At the time, I was from Buffalo and I served in the 1st Cavalry Division of the U.S. Army. That was in 1966. I was in the Central Highlands in Vietnam. I was a rifleman — infantry. I had the fun job,” Murphy chuckled. “We didn’t get much of that (gratitude) when we came home. It’s sad is what it was. (They) should have been mad at other people, not the soldiers.”

Tapasto nodded in agreement. Murphy continued, “But they’re making up for it today, and that’s good. It’s been a lot better, last bunch of years really. But coming home was horrible. But we appreciate this. They didn’t have to do this; that was nice.”

McGuire will be hosting two more Vietnam War commemoration ceremonies this week. The first ceremony takes place on Friday, March 29 at 9 a.m. at the Jamestown VA Clinic, 608 W. Third St. in Jamestown. The second ceremony, also on Friday, begins at 1 p.m. at the Allegany American Legion Post 892, 4350 Route 417 in Knapp Creek. All Vietnam era veterans are invited to attend the event closest to them. For more information, call 862-8753.