Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties hosts Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day ceremony

Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties hosted a Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day ceremony on March 30 at the Cornwall Yacht Club, bringing together veterans, community members and local leaders to recognize the service and sacrifice of Vietnam-era veterans and reaffirm its commitment to compassionate end-of-life care.

Approximately 60 attendees gathered for the event, held as part of the national observance of Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day.

The master of ceremonies was Major David Terwilliger, Ret. Navy and N.Y. Air National Guard, Treasurer of Hospice’s Board of Directors. The event included a Presentation of Colors by the Newburgh Free Academy Air Force Junior ROTC Color Guard.

Eric Gatsik, President and CEO of Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties, delivered remarks highlighting the importance of recognizing Vietnam veterans and Hospice’s mission of care.

“On behalf of Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties, I want to recognize the men and women who served during the Vietnam era. What you carried deserves to be acknowledged with honesty and respect,” said Gatsik. “At Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties, we have the privilege of caring for people at one of the most important times in their lives. Our mission is to provide compassionate physical, emotional and spiritual end-of-life care with comfort, dignity and respect.”

Gatsik emphasized that caring for veterans is an integral part of Hospice’s work, with programs such as We Honor Veterans ensuring that each individual’s service is recognized and honored with dignity.

Veteran volunteer Ralph Colon spoke about the importance of connection in Hospice’s care for veterans.

“It may not mean much to us, but it’s everything to them,” said Colon. “The veterans, they really need us.”

Community and government leaders also shared remarks recognizing the service of Vietnam veterans and the importance of continued support.

“While we cannot change that history, we can and must recognize it,” said Michelle L. Bowers, Sullivan County Deputy Manager. “Today is about more than remembrance. It is about recognition.”

Mia Woodruff, representing Congressman Patrick Ryan, spoke about the broader impact of Vietnam veterans’ service.

“The courage of the individual must never be ignored,” said Woodruff. “To serve one’s country is to make a profound and rare commitment.”

Staff Sgt. Christian Farrell, of the Orange County Veterans Service Agency, reflected on the significance of simple recognition.

“That’s all it really takes,” said Farrell. “Welcome home.”

The ceremony included the reading of the names of Vietnam veterans from Orange and Sullivan Counties who lost their lives in service, followed by a moment of silence. A Missing Man Table presentation honored those who never returned.

Following the indoor program, attendees gathered along the Hudson River for a memorial tribute. White carnations were placed into the water in remembrance of fallen service members as Chaplain Wendy Paige performed “America the Beautiful,” and Dr. David Baldwin, Ret. Army, played Taps.

“The way we were received back home was wrong,” said SP5 Dave McTamaney, Ret. Army, who served in Vietnam from 1969 to 1970. “My heart goes out to those young men who came back and felt that they were no longer part of America.”

“It was far different when we came home,” said Vietnam veteran John Angell, who served from 1966 to 1967. “Events like today make us feel appreciated.”