May 24, 2014
Veterans, suicide and why we fight Ò ...Remember Charlie, remember Baker They left their childhood on every acre And who was wrong? And who was right? It didnÕ t matter in the thick of the fight...” Ò Goodnight Saigon” by Billy Joel s a Vietnam War veteran, I kept a low visibility during the national holidays. I had my share of run-ins with individuals with ideas that differed with mine, which at times resulted in abrupt discourse during passing discussions. Seldom did I take offense quietly. Before I went into the service, I was a quiet, reserved person; I kept to myself. Not quite a loner, but I did enjoy my solitude growing up in New York. But the Vietnam War and the U.S. Army changed all that. The military doesnÕ t promote assertiveness, it promotes aggressiveness. Controlled to be sure, it is necessary for survival. Aggressiveness isnÕ t something that can be turned off easily.
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ACTR drivers to vote on union By Lou Varricchio lou@addison-eagle.com
M I D D L E B U RY Ñ B u s drivers of ACTR, Addison County Transit Resources, will vote to unionize June 11, according to driver Craig Bingham. Bingham said the drivers will decide to join Teamsters Local 597. Local 597 is the same union covering CCTA, Chittenden County Transportation Authority, drivers. CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
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Vietnam Vets Memorial a lasting tribute By Lou Varricchio lou@addison-eagle.com
SHARON Ñ When VermontÕ s Vietnam Veterans Memorial was dedicated at a large public gathering on Oct. 30 1982, the national wounds of the decade-long Indo-Chinese war were still largely unhealed. Over 135 Vermonters died in the war; their stone-etched namesÑ along with color and monochrome photographs of their wartime experiences—stand as a lasting tribute to their blood sacrifice. Two weeks after VermontÕ s memorial opened in the Town of Sharon at the stateÕ s Welcome Center along Interstate 89Ñ the Vietnam Veterans Memorial HighwayÑ the U.S. Vietnam Memorial Wall opened with sustained national attention. Considering the high price paid by VermontÕ s Vietnam veterans, the Sharon memorial fell quickly on hard times. By the mid-1990s, the memorial was on the endangered list as Montpelier listed rest areas, including Sharon, on the closure list. In response to the threat to the memories of their fallen brothers and sisters, members of the Vietnam veterans of America Vermont State Council rallied to save the memorial. Ò On the phones, in communities, and in the halls of the State House, they reminded lawmakers of this cherished tribute. The governor and legislators listened, pledging to keep the monument in Sharon and to involve veterans in planning anew center,Ó according to Louise Ransom, a Gold Star mother of a Vietnam veteran at the time. CONTINUED ON PAGE 10
THE GARDEN PLOT THICKENS— The garden behind Middlebury’s Ilsley Public Library has been drawing admirers. It is now at its full spring glory. The garden has been planned, planted and tended by Anna Benson. Anna shows a few of the books on plants that will be highlighted at a sale at the library Saturday, June 7, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Photo by Ray Hudso
Vergennes Memorial Day Parade, events May 26 By Lou Varricchio lou@addison-eagle.com
VERGENNES Ñ American Legion Post 14 has announced that the theme for the 2014 Vergennes Memorial Day Parade theme will be Ò Veterans: Never to Be Forgotten.Ó The parade will start at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 26, beginning at Vergennes Union High School. The route will wind through the city and conclude at Vergennes City Park. Annually, one of the largest parades in the state of Vermont, the Vergennes parade route is two miles long and includes veterans groups, bands, and lots of floats, antique cars, fire trucks, parade horses, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and more. Following the parade, Memorial Day remembrances will be held on the Susan OÕ Daniel
Bandstand on the park where retired Vermont Army National Guardsman Mike Wokciechowski will provide the keynote speech. Anyone planning on being a participant in the Memorial Day Parade, and has not yet contacted the American Legion, should contact the Legian via e-mail at post14@ myfairpoint.net or by calling 802-877-3216. Floats planned for the parade must be placed in line at the high school by 10:20 a.m. on the day of the parade in order to be part of the judging process. Following the parade, the Annual Vergennes Memorial Day Chicken BBQ starts at 1 p.m. at American Legion Post 14. The price is $ 8 per person.