Greenwich Honors Vietnam Veterans With Special Ceremony

GREENWICH, CT — When American soldiers came home from Vietnam in the 1960s and 1970s, they were not always treated with dignity and respect.

But on Monday at the Arch Street Teen Center, there was an outpouring of gratitude and admiration, as Connecticut Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz and the town of Greenwich honored over 90 local Vietnam War veterans.

Monday's ceremony was several years in the making since the COVID-19 pandemic caused delays, but the timing was fitting because 2023 marks the 50th anniversary of the end of the war. The last troops were brought home on March 29, 1973.

The Town Clerk's office had compiled a list of local veterans who served in Vietnam and invited them to attend Monday's festivities. Each veteran received a special certificate of recognition, and a few even shared their experiences from combat.

There were also brief remarks from Bysiewicz and other local elected officials, and a remembrance of all those who died during the war.

Bysiewicz noted that 612 Connecticut residents were killed in Vietnam, and overall, 58,000 American troops perished during the U.S.'s involvement.

"50 years ago, the last troops in Vietnam were brought home. Sadly, when you came home, you were not given the accolades, the celebration and the thanks that the veterans of World War II received when they came home," said Bysiewicz, who is traveling around the state and honoring Vietnam-era veterans.

"We, today, have the opportunity to try to in a small way redress some of the terrible things you had to endure when you came home, like being advised not to wear your uniform, or having to be confronted by protestors at airports, or not being treated with the dignity and the respect that you earned by serving our country," Bysiewicz said.

Bysiewicz explained that the conditions in Vietnam were equally as harsh, as soldiers often dealt with monsoon rains, stiffling jungle heat, exposure to toxic chemicals and intense urban combat.

In her experience with speaking to Vietnam veteras, Bysiewicz said each person shares similar qualities. Vietnam veterans are resilient, humble and committed to the community they live in, whether its serving in a veterans organization, running for office or volunteering in another way.

"We appreciate everything you've done, your service to our country, and your service to our beautiful state," Bysiewicz said.

First Selectman Fred Camillo said that over the past five decades, the U.S. has tried to make up for the way veterans were treated when they arrived back on American soil.

"While we can never truly do that, we can never stop trying. From me, and everybody else here, everyone in the state and the country, to all you veterans, thank you, thank you, thank you," he said.

Several veterans spoke about their experiences during the war.

Dr. Joel Rein, who is a practicing surgeon in Greenwich, served in the 2nd Battaltion, 7th Marines from 1965 though 1966.

Rein first enlisted in the U.S. Navy in his third year in medical school as a way to pay for tuition. He was then activated during his first year of residency.

After arriving at Camp Pendleton in California, he was asked to put away his Navy blues and whites and put on Marine Corps. greens. A year later, Rein was shipped overseas.

"My arrival in Vietnam was with great anxiety and trepidation," recalled Rein, who was part of a group that visited small villages and treated people with injuries. It was Rein's first introduction to emergency surgery.

During the second six months of his 13-month tour, Rein was transfered to Da Nang Airbase.

During his first week there, the Battle of Ia Drang occurred, and Rein was sent to an area where massive casualties were being brought in. It was his job to triage patients.

"When I went to Vietnam I wanted to be a chest surgeon. When I came back from Vietnam I wanted to do the kind of surgery that would make people happy, and not have to deal with people who were sick or dying... So I became a plastic surgeon," Rein said as the audience laughed in a moment of levity.

Another veteran and Greenwich resident, Joe Kantorski, was drafted into the U.S. Army on Jan. 19, 1968. He was registered as a "conscientious objector."

After reporting to Fort Sam Houston in Texas where he was trained to be a field medic, Kantorski reported to the 31st surgical hospital in Frankfurt, Germany.

"I have a very simple message," Kantorski told the crowd. "The idea of America needs all of us to support it in any way we can. I believe that by serving in the military, I truly become someone who understood how beautiful and wonderful the idea of America is."

State Sen. Ryan Fazio (R-36) said veterans should always be supported, especially when they come home. He also said their stories need to continue to be shared in order to educate future generations.

"If we do that, if we pass along the knowledge of our past, the sacrifices of these great veterans and the love of the nation that they sacrificed for, then we will stand a chance of making our nation more perfect," Fazio said.

State Rep. Stephen Meskers (D-150) noted that while he was too young to serve in Vietnam, his family doctor fought in World War II, his father served in the Korean War, and his nephew went to Iraq and Afghanistan.

"All of them informed me of the love of country, of the patriotism, of your unwavering loyalty, what you sacrificed and what you did. I'm here today in heartfelt appreciation for the sacrifice all of you made, and to thank you for your service," Meskers said.

State Rep. Rachel Khanna (D-149) urged everyone to recommit to building a just, equitable and propserous world for all.

"As we reflect on this anniversary, we remember the lessons of this war and how it forever changed our nation's consciousness about a war, and our responsibility to those who serve," she said.

Rounding out the elected officials was state Rep. Hector Arzeno (D-151).

"My admiration goes to you for what you did, your service, and what you gave to this beautiful nation that we have," he said.