Kearny honors those who served in The Vietnam War

By Jack Marflak

This past Sunday, dozens of people, including Mayor Carol Jean Doyle and Commander Ray Rivera from American Legion Post 99, gathered at Veterans Memorial Park in Kearny for National Vietnam War Veterans Day.

National Vietnam War Veterans Day is observed annually in the U.S. on March 29 to recognize the men and women who served on active duty during the 20 years of the Vietnam War. The date was chosen to mark March 29, 1973, when the last U.S. combat troops left Vietnam, and the last of the Prisoners of War held in North Vietnam were released.

The ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park, at the corner of Kearny Avenue and Beech Street, brought together local officials, including members of the Kearny Town Council, Kearny Police Department, Kearny Fire Department, American Legion Post 99, and other local veterans organizations. Also in attendance were family and friends of soldiers who served and members of the community.

Set against the backdrop of the memorial, the ceremony was marked by the playing of taps by Commandant Shawn M. Glennon of the Marine Corps League West Hudson Detachment 209. A few brief words followed from Mayor Doyle and Sergeant at Arms P.C. Jack Engdahl. He is also of the Marine Corps League West Hudson Detachment. The ceremony included the placing of a memorial wreath to honor those who served and died during the war.

The Vietnam War, often remembered for the controversy surrounding it, remains a deeply personal chapter in the lives of many families in town. It was noted that although returning service members were sometimes met with hostility during a turbulent time in our history, it should never diminish their service, bravery and sacrifice.

Sunday’s ceremony stood as a powerful example of Kearny’s commitment to remembering those who served in our armed forces and ensuring their legacy is never forgotten.

The following are the names inscribed on the monument in Memorial Park dedicated to those Kearny servicemen who made the ultimate sacrifice in service of their country during the Vietnam War.