It has just come to my attention that was reported that March 29 was and is "National Vietnam War Veterans Day." This is a time to pay special tribute to the 9 million Americans who served during the Vietnam era and 58,000 names memorialized on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., and to those who never received the recognition they deserved when they returned to America from the war. President Gerald Ford ended the Vietnam era on May 7, 1975. Our country was divided back then during the Vietnam War. But we must not forget the sacrifices by the many who gave their last measure of devotion to duty, and that is their very lives. Also let's remember the many veterans who are suffering physically and mentally from the effects from that war. I myself served during the Vietnam era while in the U.S. Navy on USS Leahy, a DLG 16 - a destroyer - and was proud to have done so with pride and dedication. Today I am still serving my country by being a member of American Legion Post 103 in Douglaston, N.Y. As we all know, The American Legion's purpose is to give aid to our fellow veterans who are hurting physically and mentally. So please, those who read this letter, say a prayer for our fellow veterans who have served with pride and dedication. May God bless our veterans.

Note: Writer is also Grand Knight of St. Anastasia Knights of Columbus Council #5911.

Sincerely Yours,
Frederick R. Bedell Jr.