FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Plymouth Area Vietnam Veterans Continue To Serve

By Brian F. Sullivan for the Milford Daily News

As sounds from the late 60s/early 70s echoed across Wayne Dunham’s cranberry bog on Ring Road in Kingston, Harry Titus and his motley crew of Plymouth area Vietnam Veterans were busy upgrading their Huey Helicopter Welcome Home float. The bog, which can be reminiscent of the rice paddies these men saw so many years ago in Southeast Asia, is where the Huey is stored between events.

Harry, the owner of Kingston Signarama, designed and built the life-size model helicopter, which has been prominently displayed at static events and parades throughout Southeastern Massachusetts during recent years.

Wear and tear has now taken its toll. The Huey has battle scars, of sorts, and is in desperate need of repairs. So, with a parade and commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War previously scheduled for the end of March, Harry and his band have been feverishly working to scrape, caulk and paint the chopper to make it presentable for display.

Unfortunately, concerns about the spread of Coronavirus COVID-19 led to the Scituate parade being postponed indefinitely and the commemoration being cancelled. Nevertheless, with Vietnam Veterans Day fast approaching, Harry’s team wanted to do their best to bring their iconic symbol of the Vietnam War up to speed.

Governor Charles Baker has issued a proclamation declaring March 29, 2020, to be Vietnam War Veterans Day in the commonwealth of Massachusetts. It is a day set aside to recognize the patriotism and dedication of our Vietnam Veterans and their families.

Concerns about COVID-19 have many of us practicing “social distancing” so as to preclude the spread of coronavirus. Events honoring our Vietnam Veterans may have to be cancelled as a result, but we can still take time to reflect upon their service and sacrifice. Let’s not allow them be forgotten again.

Brian F. Sullivan is a senior fellow at the American Leadership and Policy Foundation. He is a retired Army Military Police lieutenant colonel and former risk program management specialist for the Federal Aviation Administration. He has more than 30 years of security experience and was presented with a Platinum REMI at the Houston International Film Festival in 2011 for his narration of the aviation security documentary, “Please Remove Your Shoes.”

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