BARNEGAT, NJ — “When I left in 1967, I was a patriot. And when I returned in 1968, I was a criminal.”
Keynote speaker Major General Clark Martin addressed the audience filled with Vietnam War veterans, their families and members of the community.
The combat veteran shared his experience as part of Barnegat’s annual Vietnam War Veterans Day celebration, attended by many inside Barnegat High School on March 29.
Find out what's happening in Barnegat-Manahawkinwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
“Today, we give homage not only to those who gave their lives, but to their comrades present today and all across the country,” Mayor Pat Pipi said.
Barnegat resident and Vietnamese refugee Thy Cavagnaro began the event in 2018 to thank veterans for what they had done. She came to America with her family in 1975, “escaping the fall of Saigon by the skin of our teeth,” Cavagnaro said.
Find out what's happening in Barnegat-Manahawkinwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Cavagnaro said that she began the event after an online attack from a veteran made her realize that many were in pain, and she wanted to make sure they knew how grateful she and her family were for how they fought for her freedom.
“You were forced into a war you didn’t want in a land you had never heard of, fighting against people who looked and dressed like ones who were supposed to be your friends and allies,” Cavagnaro told the audience of veterans. “You were legally an adult, but really, just a child.”
Many local groups came to show their support, including both veteran and Vietnamese communities, along with local and state elected officials.
And Barnegat students did everything they could to help, adorning the hallways with posters welcoming and thanking veterans. The marching band and middle school choir performed, while the JROTC performed Color Guard duties. The event’s photographer and DJ were even both Barnegat High School students.
Resources were available for veterans before and after the main ceremony. There was also food supplied by local Wawas, plus Vietnamese spring rolls made by the community.
While many of the veterans present may have not had a warm welcome back when they returned from war decades ago, the packed auditorium made their gratitude known.
“Because of you, my family and I are able to stand here today, alive and able to help others as we have been helped by others,” Cavagnaro said. “I vow to always help as many people as possible learn the legacy of our Vietnam veterans, for you are beloved.”
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
Click Here: Japan Rugby Shop