On a beautiful, sunny Saturday afternoon on Chelsea Parade in Norwich, a community of local veterans, friends and family came together to remember and honor those who served in the Vietnam War.

The April 30 ceremony’s keynote speaker, Dr. Linda Schwartz, shared an anecdote of a time she was asked by a young student if the Vietnam War was a waste.

“After centuries of subjugation, religious persecution by Chinese, French and Russians, what America did was give the Vietnamese the best chance they ever had in centuries for freedom,” she said.

Schwartz went on to compare Vietnam to the war today in Ukraine.

“People must support the fight for freedom,” she said. “The Vietnam war gave the Vietnamese people a chance and they took it.”

Norwich Mayor Peter Nystrom also spoke, remarking on the honor owed to those who rose to the challenge of being part of something “bigger than themselves.”

New London resident Roberta Vincent and her family were honored as a Gold Star family and laid out new wreaths at The Norwich Vietnam Memorial, which includes the name of her late husband who died in combat.

Other local Vietnam War veterans were in attendance as well, such as Daniel Mesick, 79, of Lisbon who had the role in the war of shooting the water buffalo who carried RPGs and missiles up the hills in the jungle. Mesick also shared his experience beforehand of stepping on a punji stick, a sharp booby trap that went through his foot and ankle when he stepped on it, and credits the doctors with doing “a good job” patching him up.

Tom Callinan, Connecticut’s first official state troubadour, played original songs “Some Gave All, All Gave Some” and “Thank a Vet” and the ceremony ended with a look forward to the Norwich Memorial Day Parade. The parade is seeking the support of local businesses and the presence of local veterans. Those who are interested in supporting the parade should reach out to John Waggoner, johnewaggoner@yahoo.com.

Johnny Alexandre is a Times intern.