Remembering Vietnam

Submitted by Cardinal O’Hara High School

Four members of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 77 in the City of Tonawanda presented a personal look at the Vietnam War that raged from 1965-74 to history students at Cardinal O’Hara High School April 29-30. Students in three classes, taught by Andrea Drzewiecki, heard about some of the horrors of the war, the long-lasting results of Agent Orange, the Hanoi Hilton, the prisoner of war camp where torture was common, and the unwelcome veterans received when they returned to the U.S. The veterans touched on the casualties and deaths from ambushes, bombings and attacks to help the three history classes currently studying the Vietnam War to make the war real to today’s youth.

Gathering after the presentation are, from left, standing, Andrea Drzewiecki and Kimorah Menifee; veterans Glenn Sherk (a 1967 graduate of O’Hara) and Dave Sharp and Tyler Illig (whose grandfather served in Vietnam). Seated are veterans Joe Rajnisz, left, and Joseph Pasek, who coordinated the visit. Chapter 77 is reaching out to all area high schools to present a program on the Vietnam War and to invite everyone to visit the museum on Main Street in Tonawanda.