DEDICATION

In 2000 my home town of Bay Shore sponsored a "Welcome Home" ceremony on behalf of the graduating classes of the sixties and early seventies. This ceremony markd the 25 year anniversary of "The Fall of Saigon". I was honored to represent the Vietnam Era veterans and help organize the ceremony. For one year the Millenium Committee conducted a research project to track down, formally invite, and organize veterans after 40 years. It was a daunting task. Upon completion I compiled this list to the best of my abilities. 

Below are the results of my findings for Bay Shore High School. As you read over the text you will be amazed at the results. Not included, yet deserving of recognition, are two alumni that reached the highest military rank. Bay Shore's proud military heritage boasts one Army General and one Navy Rear Admiral that served during the Vietnam Era.

The most amazing statistic that cannot be posted is that of three high school seniors who received their draft notices and answered the call. These three seniors did not graduate with their classmates but opted to enter the military and go to war. 

Please keep in mind that this is only one high school in America. Although Bay shore ranks amongst the highest in our area for casualties there are schools that lost as many as six times that amount. The highest in the New York metropolitan area were Jamaica High School and Flushing High School.

The pamphlet below lists and describes contributions made by Bay shore's Vietnam Era Veterans that paid the ultimate sacrifice but that is only part of our story. To honor some of the more than 600 veterans I will include a small number of their pictures and stories on the Dedication Page. Veterans that chose to participate will have their thoughts and pictures listed. Some will have passed on and the pictures were sent by their families while others are actively living their lives. In either case they will be remembered and honored by this journey in a spirit of truth, healing, and understanding. As you come across these photos take a moment to reflect and perhaps say, "Thank You and Welcome Home".

Below is an example of some of the photos that were sent in to this Blog. As additional photos and stories come in they will be permanently posted on the DEDICATION  page. To the veterans and their families that chose to share my journey, I thank you.

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