Sparta honors its Vietnam vets

BY AMY SHEWCHUK
SPARTA — Sparta VFW Post 7248 was honored by the Town Council and Mayor Josh Hertzberg with an official proclamation declaring March 29 Vietnam Veteran’s Day.
This National Day is to honor the men and women who sacrificed and served their country during one of the longest conflicts in U.S. history.
The commemoration of Vietnam Veterans Day was initiated by former President Barack Obama in 2012 and signed into law by President Trump in March of 2017.
On March 29, 1973 combat and support units withdrew from South Vietnam. With the mood of the nation at the time, veterans were often not welcomed home as heroes, but with disdain and criticism.
“I remember things being thrown at us and jeers from the crowd,” said Pete Litchfield, commander of the Sparta VFW and a Vietnam vet. "In fact, it became that you didn’t want to be seen in your uniform. It was a really difficult time returning home.”
“We are honored but feel that recognition is long overdue.” said Councilman Jerard Murphy, also a Vietnam veteran. “We came home to a nation that was split and you just didn’t even mention the war.”
“It’s great that recognition is happening and that Vietnam veterans are being appreciated,” said retired U.S. Navy Master Chief Stan Tryba. Tryba served for 24 years in the Navy and moved to Sparta from Chicago a few years ago.
Retired Marine Corps Lt. Col. Ron Pace moved to Sparta last year and joined the VFW. “I was encouraged to join by a fellow veteran and on my first visit I met Pete (Litchfield). I’ve been an active member ever since and it’s a pleasure supporting veterans in the community.”
Mayor Hertzberg presented an official proclamation to Commander Litchfield, saying the reason for declaring March 29 Vietnam Veterans Day is ‘self-evident’ in the first paragraph of the proclamation.
Hertzberg read: “This date is reserved to pay tribute to the three million military men and women who served during the Vietnam War and to honor the more than 58,000 individuals who made the supreme sacrifice; and whereas, it is time to acknowledge the hundreds of thousands of veterans who returned home missing limbs, bearing scars from debilitating wounds, burdened with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, suffering the consequences of exposure to the chemical defoliant called “Agent Orange” and those still listed as Missing In Action.”
The veterans received a standing ovation.
“On behalf of everybody at the VFW we want to thank you.” Litchfield said, addressing the Council. “A lot of us when we came home, people weren’t very nice to us. It’s taken 50 years that we’ve been home and we really do appreciate this and also to keep up support for our younger guys. We really thank you.”
Councilman Murphy noted a ‘full-circle moment‘ recognizing long-time friends and brothers in combat in the room.
“Doug and I went to High School together," Murphy said. "Pete and I were jarheads together, Andrew is an Iraq and Afghanistan Veteran and my youngest son is in Special Forces. So, the rest of these guys — watch out!”
Litchfield said that there were several soldiers from the area killed in action in 1967-68. They include:
Lt. Robert C. Turnbull, KIA February 7, 1968, Class of 1964 Byram Township
Sp4 Freddy Love Johnson, KIA April 6th, 1968, Class of 1966 Byram Township
Pfc David Strupp, KIA April 12th, 1968, Class of 1964 Sparta Township
Sp4 Roy “Buddy” Littlehales, KIA February 16th, 1967, Class of 1965 Byram Township
Thomas Talmadge, KIA (date unknown), Class of 1963, Sparta Township
Jeffrey Patterson, KIA in 1968, Class of 1967, Sparta Township.
Murphy said that if anyone who served or knows of someone who served from the Sparta community who has been overlooked or not acknowledged, to contact him or the township clerk or the VFW, to make sure their name is commemorated on a plaque at the VFW.
“We’d like to thank the town for all their support over the years," Litchfield said. "Anytime we need anything we come over here and they help us as much as possible.”
“And that goes both ways, Pete,” Hertzberg said, “You guys are always there for us and the rest of the community and we really appreciate that.”
The Sparta VFW works closely with the community and over the years has donated more than $19,000 to local charities.
For more information on Sparta VFW Post 7248 or to book an event at the Hall call 973-729-7011 or visit their Facebook Page @spartavfw