Fort Hamilton honors Vietnam Veterans during ceremony

Giving Vietnam vets a proper thank you.

Fort Hamilton Army Base held its annual Fort Hamilton Vietnam Veterans Commemoration Ceremony on Thursday, March 30. The day recognized all Vietnam vets in attendance and featured art created by vets, a service song medley, a prayer and keynote speaker Dr. Vincent Maligno, who gave a special remembrance of veteran Father Vincent Robert Capodanno, a posthumous recipient of the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Vietnam War.

“I’m always honored by this,” said Air Force veteran Richard Halloran. “I do a lot of volunteer work for the VA Hospital. It’s all about the veterans. I happen to be one of the fortunate ones that’s still standing, but the recognition is nice. Back in the day, it wasn’t easy with the way we were treated, but today it feels good.”

The Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017 designated every March 29 as National Vietnam War Veterans Day and called for the U.S. flag to be flown that day to honor those who served in Vietnam.  It marks the anniversary of the date that combat and combat support units withdrew from South Vietnam in 1973.

“This day means a lot to Fort Hamilton,” Sergeant Major Tony Stevens told this paper. “It’s up to us to look out for those who came before us. The guys that came back from Vietnam deserve the honors and respect that we’re giving them. They didn’t get it back then so we are honored to be able to do this in this day and time.”

“We can’t thank our Vietnam veterans enough for their service and the sacrifice they made for our nation during a time when many of our citizens did not pay them the respect and admiration that they deserved,” added Colonel Peter Sicoli, the base commander.

Capodanno, born in 1929, was assigned to the First Marine Division in Vietnam in 1966. He was killed during his second tour on September 4, 1967 with the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines. Despite his being unarmed, the enemy opened fire on him.

“He was very striking,” said Maligno, who showed photos of him throughout his passionate speech. “Whenever he walked in the room, everyone just stopped and stared at him.”

Capodanno’s nephew James, who was presented with the American flag flown over Fort Hamilton that day in honor of Capodanno’s heroic actions, was touched by the words spoken by Maligno. “It’s a great honor for my uncle and all the Vietnam veterans,” he said. “God bless them all for their service. The ceremony was beautiful. It’s an honor.”

Seven veterans were also honored for displaying artwork that symbolized their view of the American flag, created in collaboration with the Museum of Modern Art’s Education Department.

“I thought the art was amazing,” said Stevens. “I didn’t even know about it until now. They did an incredible job and I was so appreciative of them coming out and sharing it with us today.”

“We are here to say thank you,” added Justin Batt, the master of ceremonies. “Today we recognize that because of you, military members serving today are welcomed home as heroes and we stand with you in making sure no military member is ever subjected to a homecoming like the one you experienced. Thank you for your service and welcome home.”