Schuylkill commissioners mark Vietnam War anniversary

Schuylkill County commissioners were joined by Vietnam veterans to mark the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War month and 50th anniversary of Vietnam War day on March 29.

The commissioners issued the proclamation Wednesday.

Joining them were veterans Guy Wiederhold, Pottsville; Dennis Wiederhold, Port Carbon; John L. Russell, Pottsville; Joe Lango, Schuylkill Haven; Boonie Sterner, Schuylkill Haven; Bill Siegfried, Port Carbon; David Baver, Auburn; Carl Hoy, Valley View; Barry Miller, Valley View; Charlie Dries, Palo Alto; Cy Mazloom, New Philadelphia; Tom “Lefty” Dobrolsky, New Philadelphia; and Steven Boyer, Tremont.

The proclamation states that 325,208 Pennsylvanians served during the conflict, of whom 3,147 were killed in action and another 90 are still unaccounted for.

“Whereas, we remember the men and women who so honorably served during more than a decade of fighting in challenging terrains of Southeast Asia, where they faced extraordinary and unprecedented dangers; we will never forget their sacrifice and we value their continued service to their fellow veterans today, as they embody the motto of the Vietnam Veterans of America: ‘Never again will one generation of veterans abandon another.’ ”

Guy Wiederhold spoke, saying “welcome home” to his fellow veterans.

“He said 5,280 from this county fought in Vietnam,” he said. “Thirty-eight were killed in-country, four were killed en route, and we still have a POW/MIA.”

“World War II was the greatest generation. Korea was the forgotten generation. Vietnam was a ‘get-er-done’ generation. We were the first ones to have a memorial in Washington, D.C.; we were the first ones to push Agent Orange; we pushed the POW issue,” he said.

“But the most important thing we did and continue to do today, is we welcome home our brothers and sisters that are fighting to keep this country great,” Wiederhold said. “On behalf of my brothers and sisters in the county, thank you very much, and God bless America.”