I have learned more about the Vietnam War over the past two weeks than I ever expected.
On St. Patrick’s Day, I sat down with Ashland native and Vietnam War combat veteran Greg Gorrell; Bob DeSanto, who served three years in the military during the Vietnam War; and Ann Schar, the wife of a Vietnam vet.
The trio helps organize the annual Ashland-area Vietnam-Era Veterans Recognition Dinner, which took place Saturday for the seventh year. About 310 people were in attendance, according to Schar.
When I met with the trio a few weeks ago, Gorrell gifted me a copy of his book, titled “Vietnam Survival: There and Home,” pending one condition — that I read it and eventually pass it along to someone else who I feel would benefit from its 130 pages.
I read it over two nights. Once I opened it, I could barely put it down. I was moved.
Without spoiling its contents — because I encourage anyone reading this story to pick up a copy of the book — Gorrell’s writing is about his experiences fighting in the Vietnam War as a 21-year-old.
It’s intended to help other Vietnam veterans feel comfortable sharing their stories, also, and so family members can understand what he went through, he said.
I watched and listened to Gorrell speak to about 800 Ashland High School students on March 23, which also included a Q&A session with a smaller group of students. Including his speech as the keynote speaker at Saturday’s dinner, he has spoken to nearly 30 different groups over the past few years.
Gorrell is transparent about the fact it took decades for him to recount his experience surviving the Vietnam War — both overseas and at home.
He is not alone. The reality is, there are many others who share the struggle to open up to this day. But Gorrell is inspiring other veterans like himself to share their stories before those memories are gone forever.
“Time is running out for us to do that,” he said Saturday. “Vietnam veterans are dying at a rate of 400 per day and that pace will only accelerate.”
Seeing Gorrell speak openly and honestly about his experiences has been moving. When he does, the silence in the room is quiet enough to hear a pin drop — a sign of respect.
So when a Vietnam veteran, or any veteran, wants to talk or open up about their experiences, I think it is our responsibility to listen with intent. I know I have learned a great deal by doing this just within these past two weeks.
More from Saturday’s dinner
I walked into a truly beautiful sight Saturday night at the Ashland Eagles Aerie 2178.
As I gazed across the room, I saw hundreds of veterans — table after table of military brothers and sisters conversing, sharing a meal and coming together.
This was my first time attending the annual dinner, but the gravity of the event hit me as soon as I entered the doors.
Emotions were displayed around the room at various moments, including the songs performed by Jane Roland and a veteran tribute video.
Another moving moment came when the Ashland Eagles Aerie 2178 made two generous donations. One was to The American Veterans Appreciation Events Inc., a group that organizes events locally to honor veterans, in the amount of $10,000; and a $1,500 donation to Ashland County 4-H club, Just Say Whoa.
Members of Just Say Whoa helped with many aspects of Saturday’s dinner, including serving and cleaning.
Gorrell also presented Elaine Hess with a special plaque reading “Honor Bus Champion.”
Hess, a retired teacher, helped co-found the Ashland County Honor Bus, a program helping local veterans visit Washington, D.C. — often to see memorials for wars they fought in for the very first time.
“(Hess) has been a champion for us veterans for years and years,” Gorrell said Saturday.
