Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883

Honoring Vietnam Veterans

On Tuesday, March 29, community members and veterans came together with Eddy County Veteran Service Officer, Julie Shrock, to honor veterans who served during the Vietnam War.

The event was the first of its kind in Eddy County, and after its tremendous success on Tuesday, it's certain not to be the last.

The event began at 6 p.m. in the New Rockford Eagles Club, where it's estimated that more than 150 residents from New Rockford and the surrounding communities were in attendance.

Together, they honored the millions of American veterans that served their country from November 1955 to May 1975, including those right here in Eddy County.

Shrock gave each Eddy County family who lost their soldier during wartime, a special pin. Veterans that served and were present last night also received one, as a way of thanking them for their courageous service.

Shrock shared, with tears at times, the past culture around this war and its veterans; and how important it is to publicly acknowledge these humble men for their time in Vietnam. There was a special POW/MIA table and many photos were taken for the pin ceremonies.

It was an emotional evening filled with unity, support and even some surprises. One New Rockford veteran, Terry Koepplin, was joined by his entire family, including an unexpected visit from son, TJ Koepplin, of Fargo.

Dave Rosenberg, a New Rockford native who served two tours in Vietnam from the fall of 1970 to the spring of 1972, was also one of the veterans honored, and he couldn't have been happier with the event's turnout.

"I thought it went very, very well; it was one heck of a nice put together," he said.

Rosenberg also said that planning for the event had only begun about two weeks ago, and that they weren't sure if they should expect a large number of guests or only a few.

What they got was a packed house.

"I think the evening went very well," said Shrock. "I am overwhelmed by the community support for our Vietnam veterans and their families, and I intend to celebrate the Vietnam War Veterans Day every year. Our Vietnam veterans have waited more than 50 years for the recognition and appreciation they still truly deserve."

Shrock said she was approached about planning the event only a few weeks ago by a local Vietnam veteran by the name of Joe Schmaltz.

Schmaltz served as an avionics mechanic in the 281st Assault Helicopter Company in Vietnam in 1970, and he's worked hard to honor his fellow veterans ever since.

"They're important to remember how we got our freedom," said Schmaltz on the value of events like the one on Tuesday. "It's hard work to defend our freedom, and the guys we've lost is heartbreaking, and people, especially our youth, need to understand that."

Schmaltz also expressed how impressed he was with the event and the number of people in attendance, and both Schmaltz and Rosenberg expressed gratitude to Shrock for putting it together and making it possible.

"My gosh, she went above and beyond what I expected," said Schmaltz. "She's going to do this community a lot of good."

"That Julie Shrock is tremendous," added Rosenberg. "I got nothing but good to say about her."

Shrock herself, meanwhile, was grateful to have met so many veterans and to have put on such an objectively successful event for the entire community.

"When I started planning for this event just a few weeks ago, I was under the illusion that our Vietnam veteran population in this community was just a handful of people," said Shrock. "I am humbled to learn that we have more than 60 men and women that served our country during the Vietnam war residing right here in our community."

Shrock also expressed gratitude for the many volunteers that brought barbecue, salads and desserts for everyone to enjoy, as well as for the family members who came forward to represent the Vietnam veterans who are no longer with us.

"It was an honor to recognize you and honor your family's sacrifice," she said.

Shrock has plenty of events planned and even more ideas of how to continue supporting veterans in Eddy County. The three winners of an all-expenses-paid fishing trip to Dolphin Island will be drawn Monday, April 4, and one local veteran has donated enough funding for a four-day trip to be awarded to a lucky veteran and his or her family.

Shrock also thanked the entire community for their support and attendance at Tuesday's celebration, and she expressed even more gratitude for the veterans who served during the Vietnam War.

"I would like to say a special thank you to all the Vietnam veterans that attended the event," she said. "It was an honor to shake your hands and say thank you to your faces, not just on March 29th, but every day. A grateful nation thanks and honors you!"

POW/MIA Table

The tradition of setting a separate table in honor of our prisoners of war and missing comrades has been in place since the end of the Vietnam War, so organizers of the Vietnam Veterans Day event made sure to have one set (shown at left). 

The manner in which this table is decorated is full of special symbols to help us remember our brothers and sisters in arms.

1) The table is smaller than the others, symbolizing the frailty of one prisoner alone against his or her oppressors.

2) The white tablecloth draped over the table represents the purity of their response to our country’s call to arms.

3) The empty chair depicts an unknown face, representing no specific Soldier, Sailor Airman or Marine, but all who are not here with us.

4) The rounded edges of the table shows that our concern for them is never ending.

5) The bouquet of flowers reminds us of their families and loved ones. The red ribbon represents the love of our country, which inspired them to answer the nation’s call.

6) The candle symbolizes the everlasting hope for a joyous reunion with those yet accounted for.

7) The slice of lime on the bread plate reminds us of their bitter fate.

8) The salt upon the bread plate represents the tears of their families.

9) The inverted glass reminds us that our distinguished comrades cannot be with us to drink a toast or join in the festivities of the evening.

 
 
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