Generals McChrystal, Kelly remember South Boston’s Vietnam veterans

Gov. Charlie Baker said he is glad Americans have learned to “separate the war from the warrior,” during ceremonies to rededicate the South Boston Vietnam Memorial Sunday attended by two generals and a large crowd of veterans.

The Republican governor spoke of the anger confronting Vietnam veterans when they returned saying, “Nobody had their backs … . Now, when we see them and when they come home, we say ‘welcome home …’ and ‘thank you for your service.'”

Marine Corps Gen. John Kelly, former chief of staff to President Trump, was in attendance and laid a wreath at the memorial site.

Army Gen. Stanley McChrystal did not serve in Vietnam but shared the personal stories of his family members to underscore the “simple sacrifice” of Vietnam soldiers.

His older brother, Col. Scott McChrystal, gave up his dream of playing baseball with the New York Mets to follow in the footsteps of his father and grandfathers, who were also Army soldiers.

“It was a simple willingness to step forward when the nation asks and your comrades need it. Wars aren’t fought by giants. They’re fought by ordinary men and women and that’s what makes this story — your story — so much more impressive and humbling,” McChrystal said.

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/2E15Q2i