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Remembrance and Recommitment at VVAW's 25th Anniversary

By Joe Miller

By Joe Miller, N.O. Staff

Tears and laughter, joy and pain, mixed with fond memories and new resolve at VVAW's 25th Anniversary celebration in New York City during the last weekend in May. Moths of hard, often frustrating preparation culminated in a near flawless series of events that reconnected many former comrades and established new friendships.

I will report on what I witnessed at this gathering, and since everyone came away from New York with different stories, I would encourage other participants to submit pieces for future publication during this 2th year of VVAW's existence.

For me and for the group I traveled with, it began as we boarded a train at Chicago's Union Station on Thursday evening, May 28th. Our group included John Lindquist, Annie Bailey, Dave and Pat Kettenhofen (from Milwaukee), Bill Branson, Barry Romo, Maude De Victor, Mike Woloshin (from Chicago), and me (from Champaign, Illinois). We had at least thirteen hours on the train ahead of us, so we quickly got down to socializing in the club car following dinner. There was a real mood of celebration among us, though at times we would show our apprehension about the upcoming events by wondering aloud how many would actually show up. This minor fear passed, pushed aside by the friendly banter and friendlier drinks, and we felt part of a great adventure.

Most of us didn't get much sleep on the train; we were rather excited by our self-generated party atmosphere—even through breakfast. By the time the train pulled into Pennsylvania Station, we knew we were going to have a wonderful time with old and new friends over the next couple of days.

All except John and Annie squeezed into a limo which took us to The Vista Hotel—command and control central for the weekend. There was a minor hitch when we arrived, in that the rooms for many of us were not yet ready, so Jack McCloskey volunteered to lead us to a neighborhood pub. We certainly needed more to drink after closing down the club car the night before... some of us.

It was a fairly long walk, but we all made it. As soon as we stepped inside, it was apparent that this was not the most desirable place to have a drink and talk. There were loud arguments going on around us, and it seemed as if fights were going to break out ay moment. We attempted to establish a small oasis of calm as we ordered our various beverages; we just wanted to clear out of the place as soon as possible.

On the way back to the hotel, I chatted with a couple of early VVAW members who had traveled all the way from Santa Cruz to join in the celebration. They told me how pleased they were to make the trip. Originally, rather apprehensive about what they would find when they arrived, they had decided that, if they strolled into the hotel and found a bunch of scraggly, beer0bellied vets, wearing cammies with POW-MIA patches on them, they'd turn right around and head back to California. It was clear they hadn't kept up with VVAW over the years, but they were glad to make the reconnection, and to find that the organization still stood for the same things more than twenty years later. This feeling was a continuing theme throughout the weekend's events.

After we got back to the hotel to find that our rooms were indeed ready, those of us who had not yet settled in took our bags upstairs and prepared for the informal reception that was to take place a couple of hours later. There were many jokes made about the top quality rooms we were given; they were very plush. And, those of us who were fortunate enough to be situated on the 21st floor learned that we had open access to a VIP lounge one floor below. All we had to do was sign in, jot down our room number, and get free drinks and various munchies (for breakfast, coffee and rolls). Not being used to this sort of "high class" living, there was some reticence about using these services—some of us felt: "There must be some mistake. They're going to toss us out of here any moment." But it never happened, so we invited those "less fortunate" than us, those who weren't located on the 21st floor, to partake of all these goodies along with us. the people who worked in that lounge were very gracious toward all of us—as were the staff throughout the hotel. We were not looked down upon of mistreated in any way. All in all, we felt very welcome.

The reception was scheduled to start around 8:00 pm Friday, so after a free drink or two, we began to wander over to the restaurant. The weather was great, so these various walks we had to take were quite pleasant. As our group arrived at O'Hara's, some of the New York/New Jersey people were already there. Ed Damato and Terry Selzer were there to greet us—many hugs and handshakes all around. Soon the place began to fill. People who had not seen each other for many years reestablished friendships. Others became new friends. One welcome surprise for me in this was the opportunity to reconnect with a couple of friends who were not Vietnam vets, but people I worked with in the Australia-Vietnam Society while I was teaching in Australia during 1979-1983. Ben Kiernan and his wife Chanthou Boua, specialists in the study of Cambodian politics and society, came down from New Haven for the celebration. In fact, Chanthou was going to give one of the twenty-five toasts to VVAW at Saturday's luncheon. This was one of the great moments of the weekend for me, seeing these friends after so many years.

Bill Ehrhart is another friend who showed up at this reception. I have only known Bill since we participated in a conference together in 1988, but I have been reading his poetry since 1972. Among the new friends, was Fritz Efaw, the Vietnam war resister who was nominated for the Vice-Presidency by Ron Kovic at the Democratic convention in 1976. Fritz and I chatted for some time, along with another new friend, Dave Ewing, an early VVAW member and now a veterans' rights advocate with Swords to Plowshares in California.

This is the way the evening went. Pleasant conversation with old and new friends, some food and drink, and a lot of laughter. This proved to be a great portent for the rest of the weekend; we were all keyed up to make this anniversary a great celebration. By this time, we were hearing that nearly three hundred people and signed up for the next day's luncheon—we all looked forward to Saturday now.

There were four major events scheduled for Saturday, May 30th. First, we were to collect at New York's Vietnam Veterans Memorial for an interdenominational service to honor the dead of all nations resulting from U.S. military involvement in Southeast Asia, Central America, and the Middle East. Following this, we would march to Battery Park for a Peace and Justice rally where we would hear remarks form a range of people on the theme "Fight for the living, give voice to the powerless!" Next, we would hold our celebration luncheon, with twenty-five toasts to VVAW, at St. Francis Xavier High School. Finally, that night, a benefit concert was scheduled, with Country Joe McDonald as a featured performer. So it looked like we would be very, very busy.

Saturday morning, around 9:30, those of us staying at the Vista stepped off in a ragged walk/march toward the New York Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Since the memorial is located south and east of the New York Stock Exchange (we all took wry note of this fact) it didn't take very long to get there from the World Trade Center.

As we approached I was a little surprised. I had always thought that the memorial was situated right in the heart of the busiest section of the city, right on the street. On the contrary, it sits well off the street and is surrounded by a large plaza.

The memorial itself is made of glass blocks which have taken on a sort of olive drab hue over the years. All around the massive structure are carved words from letters that GI's wrote from Vietnam. As you read these words from the past, it is easy to feel the fear, confusion, anger, and idealism that were a central part of that war for many of us.

More people were beginning to crowd into the plaza for our memorial for the casualties on all sides caused by U.S. interventions from Indochina through to the Persian Gulf.

The flags of nearly twenty countries were held by VVAW members as a living backdrop for the speakers. There were the flags of Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Grenada, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Libya, Lebanon, Iraq, and the U.S., among others.

In front of this line of flags was a huge banner commemorating the twenty-five years of VVAW's existence. My buddy Dave Carr (Pittsburgh) who had been with VVAW in 1971 during Dewey Canyon III was one of those holding this banner. Also set up next to the microphone was a large black coffin.

The crowd had grown to at least a couple of hundred by this time. Old friends were greeting each other with hugs and handshakes. I noticed Dave Dellinger ambling through the crowd, and I walked up to say hello. We had not seen each other for a few years. He greeted me early, and we chatted for a few minutes before the service began. I had heard Dave had been very ill, but that he was determined to be here on our anniversary as he has long been a solid supporter of VVAW. In fact, the commemorative journal produced for this 25th anniversary starts off with some remarks Dave made in 1966 concerning the need for an alliance between the civilian peace movement and the young people sent off to fight in Vietnam. We in VVAW hold Dave in very high regard.

About this time, Dave Cline, a VVAW National Coordinator, called for people to move in a little closer so the service could start. This began with a blessing and prayer from a Native American couple—he had served in Vietnam. After his remarks, his wife addressed the crowd about the importance of women, particularly women of color, in our continuing struggle for peace and justice. We also heard from a Gold Star Mother whose son died in Vietnam. She expressed her joy at being a part of this anniversary, to remember her son and others who died in U.S. sponsored wars.

A Black Muslim minister, also a Vietnam veteran, talked to us about being brought to VVAW by Clarence Fitch, our comrade who died in 1990. He reminded us of the day-to-day struggles of people of color, such as the L.A. rebellion, for peace and justice in this country. Daniel Berrigan, longtime antiwar activist priest and poet, read from some of his antiwar writings. We also heard words of welcome from Peter Mahoney, VVAW member, who was instrumental in getting the New York Vietnam Memorial built.

A particularly moving moment for many of us was when former North Vietnamese Army soldier, Hung, stepped to the microphone to thank us for being there and for our continuing efforts toward peace and reconciliation with Vietnam. He then presented VVAW with a piece of handcraft as a gift from the people of Vietnam. This seemed to encapsulate just what the memorial service was meant to be.

The service ended with each of those holding flags walking up to the black coffin where VVAW members John Ketwig and Maude De Victor stood. The placards with casualty figures were handed to John and Maude, who read off the number and placed the placards, one by one, inside the coffin.

We were then asked to line up behind the flags for the march to Battery Park. We were a colorful and lively group as we made our way down Water Street. People on the street and in cars along the way strained to see what we were about. Our banners and flags drew many friendly smiles from passerby, and supportive honks sounded from cars along the route.

It took a while to get everyone into the park and situated in front of the stage set up facing the Statue of Liberty across the harbor. Annie Bailey, the rally's M.C., got everyone's attention and started the parade of speakers and entertainers. These included Christine Kelly and Country Joe, both of whom were to be central performers at the benefit concert that night. Barry Romo spoke of the history and continuing relevance of VVAW in these days of Bush's "New World Order." Bobby Muller, of the Vietnam Veterans of America Foundation and early VVAW member, drew cheers and applause with his acknowledgement of the central importance of VVAW in antiwar efforts and the fight for reconciliation with Vietnam. Dave Dellinger brought everyone to their feet when he loudly declared, "VVAW has always been at the cutting edge of the peace and justice movement!" The crowd also heard from VVAW member and Special Forces vet, Greg Payton, who added his voice to the call for support the struggles of people of color for real justice. We heard from many other speakers during this noontime rally. The energy of their words was transmitted to and reflected in the attentive crowd. This was not simply the stuff of remembrance, but of a recommitment to the original goals of VVAW, for which we have been fighting continuously since 1967. I was standing off to the side of the crow with Ben Kiernan, Chanthou Boua, and their small son. Ben and Chanthou expressed strong admiration for VVAW in their comments to me as one speaker after another sang the praises of the organization.

That afternoon, after a short break, we made our way to St. Francis Xavier High School on Sixteenth Street, for the National Celebration/Reunion luncheon. In many ways, this was the centerpiece of the weekend's events. Nearly three hundred people—veterans, family members, and political friends of VVAW—participated in this luncheon.

As I walked into the hall, I saw many of the people who were with us at the morning memorial service and the noontime rally. In addition, other friends were already there, preparing to make this a memorable event for all of us. There were tables set up toward the back of the hall with an impressive range of souvenirs from the anniversary. This area was the first stop for many of the participants, buying t0shirts, sweatshirts, videos, and other items of remembrance.

Dave Carr and I located a spot just forward of the middle of the area where we thought we'd be best able to see the speakers clearly. The long tables set up for the lunch were filling up quickly. More kids were running around than at the earlier events. This was clearly a family event, the "family" of VVAW and the family members of VVAW comrades and friends.

The ever-present video cameras were set up just in front of the speaker's platform (anniversary organizers had arranged for every minute of the weekend's events to be videotaped). Brightly-colored banners from various VVAW campaigns were spread across the walls as a backdrop for the speakers. There were kegs of beer and other free drinks along one side of the room, there was a lot of thirst in this crowd, which had done a great amount of walking earlier in the day.

Here again, people who had not been at earlier events were meeting old friends. Family members were being introduced to old buddies for the first time in many cases. I saw Bobby Muller sitting up in front of the stage chatting with Jan Barry. I first met Bobby at a conference on Vietnam that was held in Wales in 1988. After the comments he made about VVAW during the noon rally, I had to go up and say hello and thank him for being there. As a VVAW member since 1970 who had not really had the opportunity to participate in any of the most historic events, I must say I was feeling a little overwhelmed with the atmosphere of "history" in the hall that afternoon.

More than this, we were not simply a collection of breathing (some barely) historical relics. Most of us in the room had been politically active for more than twenty years; the energy level was still high. The continued comradeship, through all the various twists and turns of our political activism, was still evident. We continued to be thorns in the side of the status quo; we were baptized (with a nod to the Mother Cabrini Brigade) into social and political activism during one of the most intense periods of U.S. history. We were not going to fade away—this was clear on that Saturday afternoon.

Ed Danto announced that the meal was ready, and people began to enter the chow line. The organizers put together a great meal; the atmosphere was like a huge indoor family picnic.

As people were finishing lunch, Barry Romo began the series of twenty-five toasts to commemorate this anniversary. I do not recall the exact order of speakers and I will try to reconstruct as much as I can about the toasts.

Country Joe led us off with a song. This was an enthusiastic sing-along, and it got everyone into the spirit of the event. Jan Barry, one of the founding members of VVAW, also greeted all of us, congratulating us (and VVAW) on our longevity.

One of the early speakers was the Vietnamese Ambassador to the United Nations. While each toast was limited to five minutes (since we had so many), the Ambassador's remarks went on for about fifteen. Some in the audience began to get a little agitated, but we were generally polite. What else should one expect from a career diplomat? I thought! Romo's view was that the Vietnamese people had suffered nearly fifteen minutes of diplomatic speechmaking.

We were all greeted by Abe Weisburg of The Guardian, Arthur Kinoy of the Center for Constitutional Rights, Bobby Muller, Florence Volkman Pncus (PTSD pioneer), Elena Schwolsky-Fitch (widow of Clarence), Coca Crystal of the Emma Goldman Brigade, Fritz Efaw, Dave Dellinger, Bill Ehrhart, Chanthou Boua, Bill Davis, and Maude De Victor, among many others, I must say a little about Maude's comments.

Maude, who had helped blow the lid off VA efforts to hide Agent Orange effects, moved everyone in the hall with her kind words about VVAW. As she recalled those awful days after she had been fired from her VA position for whistle blowing, she spoke about how VVAW members in Chicago were always there for her. She remembered when she had no work and VVAW was there to provide her and her family with groceries. As she thanked VVAW for efforts in her behalf, we were remembering Maude's efforts on behalf of Vietnam veterans who had been poisoned by their own government through herbicide use in the war. She thanked VVAW for saving her life during those dark days. As she finished speaking, we all stood up cheering and applauding to thank Maude for attempting to save many of us from government neglect and denial and for continuing to speak out about mistreatment of veterans by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Before we ended the afternoon with a huge cake decorated with the VVAW symbol, we once again stood up as a body to thank the organizers of the weekend's events and the workers who had put together the mal. Singled out for our particular appreciation was Laurie Sandow of New York who nearly singlehandedly pulled this whole celebration together.

It was late in the afternoon before many of us managed to get back to the Vista. Some went off to see the sights, some went off to seek out a place for dinner before the concert that night, while many of us just went back to our rooms to take a short rest from a very busy day.

The benefit concert was scheduled for eight o'clock at Wetlands Preserve, halfway between the World Trade Center and Greenwich Village. The featured performer was to be County Joe McDonald, who had been with us for every event. In addition, Christine Kelly and her group were to perform, as were a couple of former members of Blue Oyster Cult backed up by a local New Wave Band.

A small group of us walked form the hotel to the club. Through rain had threatened earlier in the day, the weather remained pleasant, so the walk was enjoyable. The club was decorated in a sixties motif, with day-glo posters in the downstairs rooms. This was not just for us in VVAW; it was the permanent style of the club and was quite a treat.

People were buying drinks and munchies and listening to Christine Kelly's group when we arrived. Everyone was having a great time, young and old alike. This was a real party atmosphere—not much talking of politics here, even if you could hear what the other person was saying. Jack McCloskey was helping Country Joe sell souvenirs, in between drinking and dancing. More hugs and handshakes as new groups of people arrived.

The entertainment was perfect for such a high-energy day and evening. The place was packed very soon, so those of us who were into the music just stood in a mass and jumped up and down. Ben and Chanthou brought their young son, and they had a great time dancing in the small corner we had.

By the time Country Joe came on, we were all ready for him. He sang all the favorites, including "Fixin'-to-die Rag" and "Kiss my Ass," as well as new stuff off his latest recordings. It was a massive sing-along and dance-along. For many of us in our mid or late forties, we did not feel our age at all. This was an anniversary party, after all, though to see us all bopping around, you couldn't tell that we had been around for twenty-five years. Who needs Geritol? Political activism and comradeship can keep you young. Even Dave Dellinger was hopping around a little that night; I think he was trying to show us up.

Around 12:30 or 1:00 am, some of us decided to head back for the hotel. There was still one more event Sunday morning. While most of the group I traveled with from Chicago were going back on an earlier train, I wouldn't be leaving until Sunday evening. I told Barry that I would go to the session on "Reflections" to see what happened. This would help me to tie up the whole weekend, I felt.

This final event was scheduled to begin at 10:00 am on Sunday morning. Dave Carr and I decided we would go, so we each checked out of our rooms early and met up at St. Paul's Chapel. The skies had finally opened up after holding back for us all day Saturday. It was pouring. When we arrived at the Chapel, the video crew was setting up, and only a very few others had arrived. Eventually, around 50 or 60 of us filled up the first few pews.

Country Joe was there, as were Annie Hirschman, Annie Luginbill, Laurie Sandow, Joe Bangert, Peggy Kerry (John's sister), Bill Ehrhart, Jack McCloskey, Dave Cline, and Ben Chitty, among many others. Jan Barry acted as facilitator for the meeting, and he started us off with a brief history of VVAW.

As the discussion opened, a recurrent theme was the importance of VVAW to each individual in the chapel. This was expressed in the poetry of Bill Ehrhart and two other veteran-poets. It was also movingly expressed by Jack McCloskey when he said "VVAW saved my life!"

Jack went on to point out that VVAW was needed even more today, that the organization's existence proved that Vietnam vets are sane. This feeling was echoed by Annie Hirschman and Mike Bukovchik from New York. Mark Kiselicka from California sobbed as he stood and thanked VVAW for being there for him. After his comments, he was surrounded by fellow vets who hugged him and shook his hand.

Others spoke of people-to-people efforts between vets and the people of Vietnam. A wide range of grass roots projects organized and run by vets were described to us. Joe Bangert talked of his dream of establishing a hot dog stand in Hanoi, and he suggested that Vietnam might be a great place for vets to retire to. So, as well as reflection on the past of VVAW and its continued relevance, the theme of reconciliation with Vietnam resurfaced as it did so often during the weekend's events.

I was in Chicago for VVAW's 20th Anniversary, and my son and I enjoyed it immensely, but, I must say that my participation in this 25th anniversary celebration will stay with me for the rest of my life. Riding home on the train that night, I reviewed everything that I had witnessed, and it made me proud to be associated with this most important of veteran's organizations. Happy Birthday, VVAW!

Thank You

With thanks, appreciation and love: Laurie Sandov, Denis Lund, Boyd Masten, Pete Poccia, Sierra Goodale, Jane Fuller, Jean Muri, Arlene, Wege, Ed Damato, Mariann Selzer, Nga Selzer, Terry Selzer, Nick Calderazzo, Vinnie Muscari, Christine Kelly, Albert Bouchard, Joe Bouchard, Country Joe McDonald, Cathy Raffaele, Rev. John Bucki, S.J., Jan Barry, Barbara Webster, Steve Geiger, Ann Hirschman, Brian Matarrese, June Svetlovsky. In Memoriam: Clarence Fitch and John Janus.

Again

Dear Laurie, Ed & Everyone,

I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the work that you put into the 25th Anniversary Celebration. It was an emotional, powerful, rejuvenating weekend for me. I was proud to be a part of it, and so proud of VVAW.

All I can say is thanks to all of you.

Yours in peace and justice;
Bill Ehrhart