Col. "Chip" Tansil presenting Vietnam tribute pin to Richard Wright, past District 13 commander.

 

Parma, Ohio, Post 572 Vietnam Veterans Day tribute draws capacity crowd

Parma, OH

Joseph J. Jacubic Post 572 in Parma, Ohio, hosted the 3rd Annual Vietnam Veterans Day event honoring both those who were killed or lost and those who survived. Post Commander Tony Kessler said, "This event is planned as both a memorial and a celebration, remembering those lost but celebrating with those who returned." The guest speaker was retired Col. "Chip" Tansil, a 30-year Army veteran and director of the State of Ohio Veterans Service Organization.
There was a tribute video, a POW/MIA table ceremony and a 21-gun salute by the post honor guard. A reading of the story behind the picture of the Vietnam picture "Reflections" by Post Adjutant Jerry Buchionni left many of those in attendance reaching for tissues. There was a reading of all the names from Parma and surrounding communities of those killed in Vietnam, with a ringing of a bell after each name was announced. Valley Forge High School students from the history club were present to read the names of their alumni killed in Vietnam and to announce the beginning of their project to erect a granite Vietnam memorial dedicated to these alumni on the school campus. A pinning ceremony was performed for all Vietnam-era vets. Blue Star Families and Gold Star Families were also recognized. A show of unity ended the evening events with attendees joining hands and joining in the singing of Lee Greenwood's "Proud to be an American." A complimentary dinner was then served.

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