By Fred Frankville -
A ceremony that should be mandatory reading in all schools was held for Captain Ronald Ross who was killed in Vietnam on October 31 1969. US Representative Bobby Schilling (IL-17) sponsored the event. He and Lt. General Mick Bednarek Commanding General, First Army, gave awards to his surviving family that Captain Ross earned.
General Bednareck talked about the honor, duty and loyalty that was prevalent among Vietnam Veterans. He talked about their war on two fronts: one on the field in Vietnam and the other in the streets of America.
Rep Schilling gave a eulogy for Captain Ross that left many misty-eyed. He agreed with General Bednarek that the war for the Vietnam War veterans was fought on two fronts. Schilling made a point that his office is open to help veterans.
Also participating in the ceremony was US Representative Dave Loebsack (IA-2), who said the days of ignoring Vietnam and Korean war Vets are over.
Captain William Albracht, Ground Commander at Firebase Kate. walked us through several days of combat. It was like we were there. It was very emotional when he talked about Lt Ross dying in his arms.
I am a Marine Infantry Korean War veteran. We came home to an uncaring public. in retrospect, we were lucky. The Vietnam vets came home to a hostile and uncaring public. Jane Fonda, the traitor who gave aid and comfort to the enemy, was honored for her treasonous acts. Her group prolonged the war and caused many American casualties. Those same protesters are now in many cases, our politicians, school teachers, judges, print and cable news editors. The VietNam War continues.
Fred Frankville is a Korean War veteran that lives in Milan, Illinois.
