Vietnam Vets speak at Oxnard Memorial Day Ceremony
Tracy Lehr
OXNARD, Calif. – Vietnam War veteran Sal Gonzales emceed this year’s Memorial Day ceremony in Oxnard.
He welcomed attendees to the Veterans Memorial at Plaza Park on Memorial Day Monday.
Gonzales shared his experience of going to war after college at the age of 22 and being diagnosed with PTSD years later.
On the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, organizers — including Gonzales — invited decorated retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Barry Harper to serve as one of the guest speakers.
Harper recalled flying in a B-52 bomber during the Christmas season of 1972.He urged attendees never to forget those who died serving their country.
“The people who gave their lives — ordinary people who did something extraordinary,” said Harper. “They gave their lives to this country. What an amazing gift to all of us — every single one.”
Manuel Gonzales helped create the program, entitled “Remember and Honor.”It included a handout honoring the late Oxnard High graduate and U.S. Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel Jim Kean.
Kean played a key role in the evacuation of Saigon at the end of the Vietnam War on April 30, 1975.
Oxnard City Manager Alexander Nguyen shared his perspective as someone who became a refugee at the age of 8.He expressed hope for a day like Memorial Day that also remembers civilians killed in war.
Nguyen also recognized the contributions of women who served in the military, including nurses during the Vietnam War.
Oxnard Mayor Luis McArthur also spoke, reminding attendees to honor veterans who died by suicide after returning from service.
While there were not many young people in the crowd, those present actively participated.
The Channel Islands High School Raiders Band performed the national anthem.Heaven Herrera Cruz sang “God Bless America,” and Daniel Sevilla performed “Taps.”
Boy Scout Troop 231 took part in the Placement of the Wreaths ceremony alongside Disabled American Veterans Chapter 24, Knights of Columbus Oxnard Council 750, the Military Officers Association of America, and American Legion Oxnard Post 48.