Local Families Observe National Vietnam War Veterans Day at Morlot Memorial Grove

On Sunday a group gathered at the Byram Veterans Memorial Tree Grove at Eugene Morlot Park in observance of National Vietnam War Veterans Day.

Liz Eckert shared remarks, noting the day was set aside to honor the more than 9 million Americans who served during the Vietnam War era.

 

“We honor all Vietnam Veterans — those who came home, and those who did not. For many, the welcome home they deserved came far too late,” she said.

When many US veterans returned from the war, they faced a divided nation and were often met with indifference, silence or open hostility. Anger over the unpopular war often resulted in name calling and harassment of veterans. This often led to veterans hiding their service.

“Today, we say clearly: We honor you. We thank you. We remember you,” Eckert said.

The group included residents for whom the remembrance was deeply personal.

“We honor Joseph Pecora and Donald Repaci, who grew up in this community and attended Byram School,” she said. “Like so many of their generation, they answered the call to serve and gave their lives so that we could live ours in freedom. They gave their tomorrow so we could have today.”

Eckert noted that Syl Pecora lost his younger brother, Joe, who was the first Vietnam Veteran who attended Byram school to be killed in action.

Private 1st Class, Joseph A. Pecora, Jr, US Armed Forces Vietnam, died on May 3, 1966.

“I stand with my daughter, Jeni Repaci, Donnie’s niece, Aunt Kay Benvenuto (Repaci) and cousins Jackie Ferreria and Joann Benvenuto.  Donnie was the last Vietnam Veteran from Byram school killed in action in Vietnam.”

Corporal Donald Sheldon Repaci, US Army, Vietnam, died on March 24, 1969.

Eckert pledged that the sacrifices made by these and other families never be forgotten.

“I would like to acknowledge David Wold, who works tirelessly with flag raisings, memorial services, and events so that we never forget to honor our veterans,” she said.

Eckert also expressed gratitude to Don Sylvester, a U.S. Marine Corps Vietnam Veteran, who is honored with a memorial bench in the memorial tree grove he worked so hard to protect.

Eckert also recalled that her dear friend Frank Kasmarski, who served during the Vietnam War,  taught her how to drive a boat.

“I am forever grateful,” she said. “May every Vietnam Veteran know they are honored, respected, and never forgotten.”

The park is named after Eugene Morlot, a custodian at the former Byram School who wanted to honor the memory of the alumni of the former Byram School who lost their lives in World War II.

In 1946 he raised funds to purchase and plant trees in a grassy area near the school to honor 10 former students who died during World War II.

Sometime later, three additional trees were added to honor former students killed in the Korean War and the Vietnam War.

Each year on Memorial Day at 10:00am families of the 13 Byram School alumni stand quietly beside the tree and marker of their family member.