JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
To help commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War, members of Joint Base Langley-Eustis came together to partake in a luncheon and commemoration honoring Vietnam War Veterans May 15 and 16, at Fort Eustis, Virginia.
JBLE is honoring the veterans and their families annually by hosting the event for the next 15 years, and will alternate locations between Fort Eustis and Langley Air Force Base.
"This is an opportunity for us, for the next 15 years, to continue to recognize the contribution of our veterans in the Vietnam War," said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Ross Ridge, Initial Military Training Center of Excellence deputy commanding general.
During the kickoff of the commemoration, which included a motorcycle ride followed by a luncheon, Ridge spoke to the crowd about the importance of recognizing the accomplishments of Vietnam War Veterans.
"It is a special honor for me to be here today, and to be able to welcome you to this special event that recognizes the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War and to recognize the veterans that served in that war," said Ridge. "[Those of you] who might not have had the greatest homecoming when you got back into the United States, we want to show our appreciation for what you have done for your service and for the service of our Vietnam Americans that are a part of our community."
During the luncheon portion of the two-day commemoration, U.S. Army Col. William Galbraith, 733rd Mission Support Group commander, presented the guest speakers a letter of appreciation, and highlighted their significance in history as well as in today's military.
"I had a vision of gathering U.S. and Vietnamese Vietnam Veterans from all services together to embrace each other, talk about old times and share some new stories," said Galbraith. "If you were a special operator, infantryman, aviator, or in logistics, you are now living history. It is now your time to talk to [Service members] and share your story, and come up with a new connection, for there is a common bond between us."
There were also a number of other events held including a museum of static displays, children's run and amusements, as well as a military working dog demonstration.
In attendance were several Vietnam Veterans such as U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 (retired) John Gragg.
Gragg, an Army boat captain, attended the day's events in hopes of finding fellow veterans he served with during his time in service.
"This is a very memorable time for me, I served two tours in Vietnam," said Gragg. "We were not appreciated; a lot of people didn't think we should have been in Vietnam. The only people that patted me on my back were my family. Things have changed, with the mindset that, those serving are fighting for America, let's give them a little glory, a little appreciation."
Like Gragg, other Veterans, were excited and eager to celebrate with the commemoration, since they never had the opportunity to do so 50 years ago.