Justin Lettini honors Vietnam veterans at Washington wreath ceremony

The recent ceremony in Fall River, Massachusetts, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, highlighted the enduring legacy of veterans and the importance of remembrance. Justin Lettini, the Regional Director for the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) in New England, shared poignant reflections from a wreath-laying ceremony he attended in Washington, D.C., where he witnessed young students showing respect at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

Lettini emphasized the significance of remembering those who served, urging attendees to speak the names of fallen veterans aloud to ensure they are never forgotten. He noted that the act of remembrance is vital, especially for the 58,478 names etched on the wall, representing the sacrifices made during the Vietnam War.

The ceremony also served as a celebration of the Vietnam veteran community, with Lettini reminding attendees that all who served, regardless of their deployment location, should take pride in their contributions. He recounted stories of veterans who felt disconnected from their service due to not being deployed in combat zones, reinforcing that every veteran's experience is valid and honorable.

Lettini highlighted the VVA's commitment to supporting future generations of veterans, stating, "Never again will one generation of veterans abandon another." This motto reflects the organization's dedication to ensuring that veterans returning from conflicts like Iraq and Desert Storm receive the respect and support that Vietnam veterans often did not.

As the community gathered to honor the past, Lettini expressed hope that future ceremonies would continue to celebrate the legacy of Vietnam veterans and the strides made in veteran care, particularly in mental health and the improvement of the VA system. The event not only marked a significant historical milestone but also reinforced the ongoing commitment to honor and support all veterans in the community.