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Springfield- Local leaders including Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and U.S. Rep. Richard Neal commemorate the Vietnam Veterans Day in Springfield.

(ELIZABETH ROMAN/ THE REPUBLICAN)

SPRINGFIELD — For more than 25 years local leaders and veterans have gathered at Court Square in honor of those who served and those who died during the Vietnam War.

A ceremony was held Sunday afternoon featuring the reading of the names of those killed or missing in action as well as laying a wreath at the Vietnam Memorial. The event included various speakers including newly appointed Massachusetts Secretary of Veterans Affairs Francisco Urena who is a Purple Heart Marine, Springfield Veteran of the Year Ronald Krupke, U.S. Rep Richard E. Neal, Dr. Samuel J. Mazza, who served as a trauma surgeon during the Vietnam War, and more.

"We have a veterans service office in every city and town in Massachusetts, because we owe it to our veterans to have a representative easily accessible to them," Urena said. There are currently more than 38,000 veterans living in the state.

Dr. Mazza, who is currently employed by the VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System in Leeds said after 50 years many veterans of the war are aging or dying, but they do not forget.

"It's hard to believe the Vietnam War occurred over 50 years ago. The memory of that war slowly fades away in the minds of so many people, but that is not so for those who served there," he said.

Mazza said he sees many patients who want to reminisce with him about the war. He said it is his goal to provide veterans with the best possible care and respect they deserve.

Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno thanked the Vietnam veterans who were present for their service and volunteerism.

"To all the Vietnam veterans, you fought a very difficult and misunderstood war. You came back after seeing the horrors of war and yet many in our community shunned you for your efforts to protect the United States and democracy," Sarno said. "And yet, you've led the way when it comes to community outreach and volunteerism. It's because of your efforts that Afghanistan and Iraq war veterans are appreciated when they come back home."

The event was led by Rich J. Tyrell, chairman of the Springfield Veterans Activities Committee.