American Indians Saluted for Patriotism

85,000 American Indian War Veterans Who Served in Vietnam are Heroes 
by David Bergengren 

SPRINGFIELD – A tribute to American Indian veterans was the centerpiece of yesterday’s 30th annual Vietnam Veterans Day ceremony at Court Square.

Guest speaker Leonard FourHawks, who joined the U.S. Navy at age 17 and served in the Korean War, wove a narrative of American Indian lore into an appreciation of the men and women who have taken up the call to arms when their nation has needed them.

"Every man who ever wore a uniform to protect this nation is my brother. Every woman who has left her family to protect this nation is my sister," said FourHawks, who now lives in Florence.

The Navajo ‘code-talkers" who served with the Marines in the Pacific during World War II were an inspiration to him and helped motivate him to join the service, he said.

Pointing out that thousands of American Indians served in the U.S. military during World War I before they were even granted citizenship in 1924, FourHawks said more than 85,000 served during the Vietnam War…

"Our love of this country does not come from mere patriotism, but (from a mission) to protect this people and this earth," he said, referring to the creation of earth and the accompanying responsibility bestowed by the Creator.

Lt. Long Nguyen and 2nd Lt. Viet Vy, both of Springfield, were among a contingent of about 20 former South Vietnamese soldiers present who once fought as soldiers-in-arms beside their U.S. allies.

"We never forgot their sacrifices for our country, to bring liberty and freedom to our country," Vy said.

Springfield Veteran of the Year Robert D. Sweeney of Marengo Park Street reminded the crowd of more than 100 that Vietnam veterans were not embraced by much of the American public when they returned from the war.

Because of that, things have changed for the better for returning veterans, he said. "Think about it," he said, "What would Irag and Afghanistan veterans be coming home to without the vets centers, without the outpatient clinics?"

It is the Vietnam-era veterans’ duty to ensure things continue to improve for returning veterans, said David Chapdelaine, president of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 111.

U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal, who was mayor when the Vietnam Veterans Monument was dedicated in 1984, was praised by several speakers for his consistent attention to veterans’ needs.

"The demise of Marxism, in some measure, came about because of the men and women of the military," said Neal, noting that Vietnam now has unions that can strike and that it will eventually feel the pressure to hold free elections.

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