Groton American Legion to recognize National Vietnam War Veterans Day

March 29, 1973 marked the day when the last combat troops left South Vietnam, and in March 2017, President Donald Trump signed the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017, officially recognizing March 29 as National Vietnam War Veterans Day (NVWVD). 

For the first time in the Groton American Legion Carrington-Fuller Post 800’s (the Legion) history, that day will be commemorated with ceremonies, displays, and food – all the result of extensive research and planning by 1st Vice-Commander Paul Koekebacker, Chaplain and Finance Officer Keith Randolph, and 2nd Vice-Commander Fred Youngs.

Randolph, who served as a machinist mate in the United States Navy from 1965 to 1972, spoke up at a recent Legion meeting when the NVWVD was mentioned, saying, “Why aren’t we recognizing our Vietnam vets? Let’s do something!”

Randolph recruited Koekebacker and Youngs to form a committee and the three began researching what had been done in the past around the nation, particularly by other Legion posts. What they came up with promises to be a poignant remembrance of all who served and a very educational experience for all who attend what they have planned for Saturday, March 29 in Groton.

Koekebacker, who served as a Spec 5 in the 173rd Airborne Brigade in Vietnam from 1969 to 1970, said the detailed posters they discovered will form an amazing display all around the room at the Legion and will tell the story of how the war began and how it ended.

“The United States stepped in in 1965,” Koekebacker said, “and this display will create a timeline that will show the impact of the war and what all branches of the military did, including the many service organizations and allies.”

Youngs, who served as a sergeant in the United States Air Force 526th FIS (Fighter Interceptor Group) from 1965 to 1969, added that various ethnic groups, Native Americans, service women, the Riverine (known as the Brown Water Navy), chaplains, POWs (prisoners of war), nurses, and many others will be represented.

“We’ll also have videos playing of live action from the war and displays of memorabilia borrowed from Vietnam veterans and organizations,” Randolph said.

“This is all to inform the public about what took place,” Koekebacker explained. “You’ll learn things you haven’t seen in newspapers or on TV and it will give you an idea of what it’s like there. We don’t want to forget this war. It started politically and ended politically, but the American military did their job.”

The day will begin at 11 a.m. at the Terrence Graves Memorial on Main Street, at which Post 800 Commander Frank Heine will welcome all and recognize the dignitaries who will be present, including Groton Village Mayor Chris Neville, Tompkins County Legislator Lee Shurtleff, J.R. Clairborne, and others. , Gary Watrous is scheduled to be the keynote speaker.

Watrous’ remarks will be geared toward the reason for the NVWVD and a recognition of Terrance Graves – a U.S. Marine Corps Medal of Honor recipient who lived in Groton and died in February 1968 in Vietnam serving his country. Wade Landis and Thane Benson from the Moravia Veterans of Foreign Wars post will lay a wreath, followed by an honor guard 21-gun military salute.

“March 29th is a day we set aside to remember lives lost and the heroes who fought in the Vietnam war,”Randolph said. “The wreath laying ceremony will give us an opportunity to thank Terrance Graves for his sacrifice, and the display will help people understand the impacts of the war and the people who fought in it.”

When the ceremony concludes, the Legion will be open for all to see the displays until 5 p.m. Chili, hot dogs, cookies, snacks and more will be available and all Vietnam veterans who attend will be given a commemorative lapel pin.

“People should come out and support this event,” Youngs said. “Terrance Graves gave his life, and he was a member of this community, and his father was the high school principal for years. Many sons and daughters during the 60s and 70s ended up over there, and many lost their lives or came home wounded. This will be a day to remember and thank all Vietnam veterans who served in the war – even if they didn’t go over there.”

Groton on the Inside appears every week in Tompkins Weekly. Submit story ideas to editorial@vizellamedia.com or text or call Linda at (607) 227-4922. 

In brief:

Groton Community Cupboard Easter hams

The Groton Community Cupboard is taking orders for a limited number of Easter hams. Sign-ups begin March 2 and will conclude March 27. You must sign up in person and have utilized the pantry five times between Dec. 1, 2024 and March 15, 2025. Hams will be ready for pick-up on Monday, April 7.

Youth volleyball camp

Volleyball camp, sponsored by Groton Recreation, is designed to give young players the opportunity to improve their skills in a relaxed, fun environment. Activities include drill stations on fundamentals, games, and a variety of exciting contests. Please wear athletic clothing, knee pads, and sneakers, and bring a water bottle daily.

Camp will run weekly on Mondays from March 3 to April 7 (no sessions during spring break at Groton Jr/Sr High School gymnasium. Fifth and sixth graders meet 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., seventh and eighth graders from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Register at grotonnyrecreation.com.

Trail Tune-up DayGroton Recreation is seeking volunteers to help clean up the Groton Trail System from 9 a.m. to 12 noon Saturday, May 17. All are welcome and kids 14 and under must be accompanied by a parent. Please bring your own tools and gloves. Meet at the Groton Memorial Park pavilion on Sykes Street and stay for lunch afterward. Visit grotonnyrecreation.com for details.