Vietnam War Veterans Recognized At Commemoration Event In Somers

SOMERS, CT — More than 40 area veterans of the Vietnam War were recognized Thursday in a ceremony at a jam-packed Somers Town Hall Auditorium, in commemoration of National Vietnam War Veterans Day.

As a lasting memento of the nation’s gratitude, veterans received a Presidential proclamation, a Vietnam veteran lapel pin, an Honor Certificate from Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Thomas J. Saadi, and a certificate of distinction from the town of Somers.

The 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War became official following passage of the National Defense Authorization Act in 2008. By presidential proclamation in 2012, the commemoration extends through Veterans Day 2025.

Surviving spouses of those who served are also eligible for recognition. This includes Veterans classified as “"Vietnam Era Veterans" — the period covered is Nov. 1, 1955, to May 15, 1975. The tribute makes no distinction among veterans who served in-country, in-theater or were stationed elsewhere during those two decades.

Honored veterans who attended Thursday's ceremony were:

• Peter Allyn, Navy, Enfield
• Myron Avery, Air Force, Stafford
• David Black, Air Force, Somers
• Gary Carra Sr., Army, Somers
• John Charbonneau, Army, Somers
• Ronald Dupre, Army, Somers
• Edward Evans Jr., Air Force, Enfield
• John Gallagher, Army, Somers
• Emilio Hernandez Jr., Marines, Somers
• Ronald Hirth Sr., Coast Guard, Somers
• Donald Karbonic, Army, Enfield
• Lawrence LaBarre, Navy, Enfield
• Clarence Lariviere, Air Force, Ellington
• John Manning, Navy, Enfield
• Bruce McIntire, Army, Somers
• George McLean III, Navy, Stafford
• Edwin Miller, Army, Somers
• Richard Moselsky Jr., Navy, Ellington
• Jonathan Normand, Army, Somers
• David Norrie, Army, Somers
• Rubard Owens, Army, Ellington
• James Radziewicz, Coast Guard, Somers
• Paul Rasid, Navy, Somers
• David Reed, Army, Somers
• William Root, Navy, Coventry
• Joseph Roy, Coast Guard, Stafford
• Frederick Shaw Jr., Army, Somers
• George Shaw, Marines, Ellington
• Peter Smith, Coast Guard, Stafford
• Ellen Sullivan, Navy, Windsor Locks
• Roger Sullivan, Navy, Windsor Locks
• William Taylor, Army, Enfield
• Paul Thibodeau, Air Force, Somers
• Robert Thiesing, Army, Somers
• Robert Trembley, Navy, Somers
• Kenneth Usher, Army, East Windsor
• Arthur Wiknik Jr., Army, Higganum
• Hamline Wilson, Army, Somers
• William Yorns, Air Force, Somers

Posthumous honors were accorded to surviving family members of three deceased Vietnam-era veterans:

• Joseph Carpe, Army, Somers (wife Patricia)
• Anthony Massita Jr., Army, Somers (wife Vallory)
• Albert Socha Jr., Navy, Somers (son Robert)