Several local Vietnam War veterans were honored this week in Ontario County as Congressman Joe Morelle presented them with Vietnam War Commemoration Lapel Pins in recognition of their military service.
The ceremony was held in the town of Bloomfield, where veterans and their families gathered as the congressman thanked them for their sacrifice and commitment to the country.
“It’s a profound honor to present some of Rochester’s Vietnam War veterans with these commemorative lapel pins, a symbol of our nation’s enduring gratitude,” Morelle said. “For far too long, these veterans did not receive the recognition they deserved. While we can never fully repay that debt, we remain committed to honoring their courage, service, and sacrifice. These pins serve as a lasting reminder that their service, and the sacrifices they made for our country, will never be forgotten.”
Morelle is a member of the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration, a national effort authorized by Congress to mark the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. As part of the program, commemorative lapel pins are awarded to veterans who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces between November 1, 1955, and May 15, 1975.
The veterans recognized during the ceremony were:
- David Brisbane, U.S. Marine Corps
- Donald A. Fairman, U.S. Army
- Mark Falsone, U.S. Army
- David Goebel, U.S. Air Force
- Frank Iorio, U.S. Navy
- Timothy McDonough, U.S. Air Force
- Kenneth Roesch, U.S. Navy
- Michael Smith, U.S. Air Force
- John William Wilcox, U.S. Army (deceased)
- Joseph Jeremiah Williams, U.S. Army (deceased)
Family members accepted the commemorative pins on behalf of the two deceased veterans.
