Author John Olivere To Discuss His Vietnam War Experience At Tewksbury Library

TEWKSBURY, MA – Author, veteran and musician John Olivere will discuss his book, We Regret To Inform You: A Combat Experience In Vietnam, on Tuesday, July 26 at 7pm at the Tewksbury Public Library. Olivere will also incorporate some of his original music from his CD, “Silence Is Consent,” into the presentation.

We Regret To Inform You is moving, thought-provoking, and honest account of combat in Vietnam. The book may well answer many questions you might still have since the hasty withdrawal of America from that troubled land. The author arrived at an air base in Chu Lai, just as the Tet Offensive began in 1968. Olivere describes the next eight months as an infantryman in the American Division stationed in the northernmost I Corps area until he was wounded. He explores the relationships that developed between the many young soldiers from vastly different backgrounds. He also spotlights the strained relationships between the American soldiers and the Vietnamese civilians.

John Olivere is a Vietnam War veteran and Purple Heart recipient. He enjoys educating the public about the war and sharing his first-hand experiences. He lectures regularly about the war on the Massachusetts college speaking circuit, including Boston College. John is also a folk singer and songwriter, known for his poignant lyrics of peace, love and war. His latest CD is called "Silence Is Consent" and speaks to the tragedy and horror of war. He is a frequent guest on WATD 95.9, the Southshore's Radio Station.

Adults and high school students from Tewksbury and beyond are invited to attend this free hour-long event. A Q&A and book selling and signing – for those interested – will take place after the presentation. Due to limited space, attendees are asked to pre-register and reserve their seats by calling 978-640-4490 x 205, emailing rhayes@mvlc.org, or visiting the library’s online calendar of events at www.tewksburypl.org. The event will take place in the library’s first-floor, handicap-accessible Meeting Room. The library is located at 300 Chandler Street, at the corner of Chandler and Main Street (Route 38).