KINGSTON >> To memorialize the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War, the Kingston Veterans Association hosted a commemoration ceremony Saturday at the Ulster County Vietnam War Memorial in front of the Armory.
Veterans, family members, friends and local politicians spoke at the ceremony as the names of the county residents that gave their lives during the 11-year conflict were read aloud.
Bill Payne, representing Saugerties American Legion Lamouree-Hackett Post 72, had the honor of reading the names of the deceased Ulster County veterans to those gathered at the event.
Multiple speakers talked about the unpopularity of the Vietnam War at the time and how veterans who safely returned stateside were treated with indifference or hostility.
“I think this is a really, really good thing to remember that those who made the sacrifices in the war that they serve in didn’t make the national and political decisions about our country going to war,” Payne said.
“When they were called to serve, they did. We all went through the same difficulties and efforts and it’s important to welcome them home.”
Payne reminded that many veterans have returned from conflict to continue productive lives, but others have suffered physically and emotionally from their experiences.
“The vast majority have been successful,” he said. “We always have to be ready to help each other to overcome difficulties. These ceremonies show the community solidarity we have to have, and how important it is to remember the sacrifices of our veterans.”
Earlier, the event also included a color guard, prayer service and breakfast for veterans and their families at Woodstock Harley Davidson, and following the afternoon service was a dance at the Kingston Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1386.
Organizers said the event was tied to a 2008 National Defense Authorization Act that called for a commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War.
It also was the first service held at the memorial site in several years.
