“Welcome Home!” That was the message Douglas Gibbs, Yates County Veterans Services Director is hopeful all Vietnam Veterans hear when they visit the “Wall That Heals” in the village of Penn Yan through Sunday.
Gibbs made his comments during Thursday morning’s “Welcome Home Ceremony” held on the grounds of the Penn Yan Firemen’s Field, which is serving as host to the “Wall That Heals” the 375-foot long, three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington D.C.
“The Wall” arrived in Penn Yan with a law enforcement and motorcycle escort on Tuesday afternoon and will remain at the Firemen’s Field through Sunday afternoon at 2 when it will close to the public.
Watch the entire “Welcome Home Ceremony” below or on WFLR’s Facebook page (Click Here)
Around 200 people were in attendance for Thursday’s ceremony, including many Vietnam War veterans, who filled many of the seats set up on the lawn of the Firemen’s Field. One of those veterans was United States Marine Corps Sergeant Alan “Herbie” Snyder, who served 27 months in Vietnam. The Penn Yan resident said “The Wall” is meant to do what its name implies.
“Healing may take years and some will never completely heal,” said Snyder. “The Wall behind me has 58,261 names that made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Every name has a story to tell.”
“It is my hope that over the next few days that The Wall is here, those who visit it will leave with a better understanding of the Vietnam War and those who fought in it. I hope it will have a dramatic impact and help us understand that those are just names on a piece of granite. They’re fathers, mothers, sisters, and brothers who never came home. It is my hope that the Vietnam Veterans and the public will have conversations, share stories, and continue the healing process.”
Win Harper, Lt. Col. USMC-Ret, served in Vietnam in 1967 and 68 before returning for a second tour in 1972. He spoke about the difficulties he and many of his fellow soldiers faced upon returning to the United States.
“When all of us returned from Vietnam, we returned as individuals, not as units,” said Harper, who now resides in Middlesex. “We immediately dispersed to our Port of Entry upon arrival and returned home. There were no bands, no banners, no long lives of citizens waving flags and cheering us on. If there were crowds gathered, they were in protest to the war.”
“We were not seen or heard,” continued Harper. “We simply and quietly went home and tried to get back to our lives. Very few people asked us how it was in Vietnam, how we felt, and how we were doing. I believe most people didn’t want to know.”
Chaplain Pamela Royal of the Canandaigua VA provided the Invocation and Benediction on Thursday, while the American Legion Veterans Honor Guard presented the Colors, performed a 21 Gun Salute, and played “Taps.”
Benjamin Pomerance Esq., Deputy Counsel, NYS Department of Veterans’ Services began the ceremony with a powerful rendition of our National Anthem. Thursday’s ceremony was closed out by an incredible performance of “God Bless America” by Kate Ferguson Schmidl.
I was very fortunate and honored to be asked to perform the duties of Master of Ceremonies for the wonderful gathering.
“The Wall That Heals” is open 24 hours until Sunday afternoon at 2. On Saturday night, there will be an “Agent Orange Awareness Day” candlelight ceremony at 8:30 p.m.
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