By WILLIAM CLARK
The Harold Daley VFW Post 1333 in Neptune is scheduled to host its fourth annual Commemoration Day Luncheon Sat., March 29 from noon to 3 p.m.
The event will recognize the 50th anniversary of the end of the war in Vietnam.
Veterans in attendance will receive a custom challenge coin honoring their service in the conflict, Vets Chairman Tony Richardson said.
Last year, the event brought in 75 veterans to the gathering and Richardson is hoping the semicentennial will draw even greater numbers. Although the event is geared towards veterans of the Vietnam War, Richardson said veterans of all backgrounds are invited. The VFW is also seeking sponsorships to support the attendance fees of veterans so those who served do not have to pay.
Richardson said he had invited a woman who sponsored a veteran to one meeting where members stood up and recounted their experiences in the service. The woman teared up at the emotional impact of each story.
The connection among Vietnam veterans is a special bond, Richardson said, as when they were returning from their stints abroad, they were greeted with protests.
Years later, the feelings for those involved have softened but Richardson said connecting with brothers of the conflict and hearing others’ stories is helpful. Richardson will ask those in attendance to stand and recount their experiences of the conflict. In addition, a prisoner of war will bring artifacts of his time and tell of how he had been shot down over Saigon.
Richardson himself lost friends when his base was attacked by the Vietcong in the middle of the night. At 79 years old, he sees fewer veterans of the Vietnam War each year. Luncheons like the coming Commemoration Day are chances to maintain that brotherhood.
Members of the Neptune Township High School ROTC will be serving food as they have in past years.
At the luncheon will proclamations from Senator Vin Gopal and Governor Phil Murphy will also be presented.
Richardson can be reached at 732-682-0364 or AllStarInv1@aol.com for any RSVPs.
Richardson made the point again that the luncheon is open to all veterans. Nobody will be turned away.
“I would love to have them here,” he said. “I want everyone here.”
