Veterans from across western Massachusetts attended the ceremony and welcomed Kee Jung Kim, Korean/Vietnam Veteran and Trustee of VFW Post 2342, Fort Lee, New Jersey. Other officials in attendance included City Councilors Kateri Walsh, Jesse Lederman, Justin Hurst and Zaida Govan, State Senator Adam Gomez, State Representatives Carlos Gonzalez, Orlando Ramos and Jacob Oliveira, retired Veteran Services Director Dan Walsh, President of the Vietnam Veterans of Massachusetts, Sgt. Gumersindo Gomez and Executive Director of the Congressional Black Caucus Veterans Brian Trust Ron Armstead. The Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 111, did the reading of the names of those Springfield residents who lost their lives. The Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery Honor Guard provided the Rifle Salute.
Mayor Sarno states, “The City of Springfield is proud to honor and recognize our Veterans, especially our Vietnam Veterans who have honorably served our great Nation. I want to thank our Director of Veterans’ Services Tom Belton, Deputy Director of Veterans’ Service Joe DeCaro and our Springfield Veterans’ Activities Committee Chairman Bill Walls and all the Committee members for their continued efforts not only for coordinating this event to honor our Vietnam Veterans, but also for everything they do for all of our Veterans every day. America is still the greatest Nation on Earth. We are the beacon of democracy, strength and opportunity, thanks to the sacrifices and dedication of our proud Veterans and their families. God Bless the United States of America and God Bless our Veterans.”
