RANCHO MURIETA, CA (MPG) - The Rancho Murieta Post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars hosted a solemn observance of National Vietnam War Veterans Day at the community gazebo on March 29, honoring Vietnam veterans.

Established by Congress in 2017, the day recognizes the service and sacrifice of more than 3 million Americans who served in the Vietnam War, as well as the families who shared in that sacrifice.

VFW Post Senior Commander Michael Mineni emceed the brief but solemn program, which included remarks on the meaning of the observance, heartfelt memories and reflections from several veterans, and the presentation of a flag to the widow of a local veteran.

The ceremony also featured a flag presentation by Scout Troop 233, two patriotic bugle performances by musician Tai Wieler, and opening and closing prayers. Vietnam War veterans and Purple Heart recipients were also recognized and asked to stand. The VFW Auxiliary also provided refreshments for a social hour held before the ceremony.

Mineni welcomed veterans, families, friends and local first responders, explaining the purpose of National Vietnam War Veterans Day and what it means to those who served.

“Today, we gather to pay tribute to the bravery, sacrifice and unwavering spirit of our veterans who served in the Vietnam War,” Mineni told the crowd. “Let us recommit ourselves to sharing the stories, memories and experiences of Vietnam veterans with future generations… Their courage and sacrifice have paved the way for the freedoms we share today.”

He reminded attendees that more than 58,000 Americans died in the conflict and that many who returned home carried wounds that were not always visible.

“Let us not forget that this generation of warriors did not receive the welcome home that many in my generation have,” he said. “So to all the Vietnam veterans: welcome home. Thank you for your service and sacrifice for our great nation: and that’s long overdue.”

After Mineni’s remarks, the ceremony shifted to personal reflections, as attendees were invited to share memories.

Vietnam veteran Dan Pennington said he grew up in a small coal-country town in Appalachia, where 20 of the 90 members of his high school graduating class immediately enlisted. He offered a solemn roll call, listing their names, branches, ranks, and roles, including nine who were killed in action.

Pennington also reflected on the impact of their loss. 

“A lot of the folks I talked about today didn’t make it. So it fell on me to live and be a better person, because they couldn’t be here,” he said.

Bill McCarver, who served as a dog handler in Vietnam, reminded the crowd that not all heroes walked on two legs. Pausing to compose himself, he said, “I want to remember the four-legged warriors who got us all home; don’t forget them as well.”

Tony Luza, who grew up in Oakland, California, said his only goal in high school had been to escape a rough neighborhood: something he thought he could do by joining the Army, not fully realizing there was a war underway. He became a medic with the 27th Infantry “Wolfhounds,” 25th Infantry Division, in 1968.

“The thing I want to express to people is not what we did, but who we were,” Luza said. “Basically, we were just kids who became adults. The things we had to face and the things we had to carry were something we were never, ever prepared for.”

His thoughts turned to those who did not return. 

“What bothers me the most is all the young men who lost their lives: people who didn’t have a chance to have a family, didn’t have a chance to go to college, the things that I was able to do,” he said. “So: welcome home.”

Don Craig spoke about the “silent pillars” that shadow many veterans throughout their lives: burdens that may not be visible from the outside. 

“Don’t think that just because someone didn’t come home with an amputation or a Purple Heart that they haven’t been severely injured.”

He urged the community to respond with enduring support. 

“There isn’t any way to escape those things other than through prayer, friendship, through love,” he said. “So if you know anybody who served, just love them and help them.”

As the ceremony neared its end, the VFW carried out a flag presentation for Elaine Fowler, whose husband, Lyle Fowler, a Korean War veteran, had not received a formal service when he died. The post chose to honor him publicly during this observance.

Although his family had received a flag, they had not received the customary ceremony. The post carefully refolded the flag and placed it in a presentation case. Before the assembled community, a visibly moved Mineni presented it to Fowler while delivering the traditional words normally spoken at a burial service:

“On behalf of the President of the United States, the United States Navy, we’d like you to accept this flag as a token for your loved one’s honorable and faithful service.”

Afterward, Mineni explained why presenting the flag mattered so much to the VFW post. 

“When a loved one passes, that would normally happen at the service,” Mineni said. “The family didn’t do a service, and we wanted to honor him in front of everyone: recognize his service and her loss with this community that they’re a part of. That’s why we’re here.”

He acknowledged that such ceremonies are personally difficult because of the many comrades he has lost over the years during deployments to Panama, Iraq and Afghanistan. 

“It’s difficult, but you’ve got to do it,” he said. “We’re very happy to do it. That’s why we exist in this community.”

The ceremony concluded with the distant bugler playing “Taps,” the clear notes bringing the gathering to a quiet, reverent close … and a long-overdue welcome home.