PORT JERVIS — Port Jervis may be a small city, but this past weekend’s Vietnam Veterans Day Tribute was anything but tiny in its respect, recognition, and gratitude to veterans whose delivery of such has been long overdue.
Dozens of Vietnam veterans, along with their family, friends, and neighbors, turned out in response to Port Jervis resident Mary Alice Kovatch’s invitation to those who answered a call to duty during the Vietnam War.
Kovatch, assisted by husband George Kovatch and other members, officers, and auxiliaries of VFW Tri-States Naval Ship Post #7241 and Rosa-Fleming Post #161 and supported by local businesses, organizations, and residents, provided an entire afternoon salute to veterans who never received respect and a welcome when they came home.
Refreshments and remarks were provided at both VFW posts, along with dinner and personalized gifts. But it was praise, gratitude, support, and understanding that surrounded the honored veteran guests and the focus for the day.
“You served, saw combat, and did not get so much as a thank you. It was a very difficult time in our history. That is behind us, but we are here today and I want to say thank you, and welcome home,” Captain Fabrizzio Morejon told those gathered at the Owen Street Naval Ship.
Christian Farrell, director of Orange County Veterans Service Agency, told the veterans that they deserved a hero’s homecoming with parades and appreciation rather than the hostile crowds, protestors and villain’s treatment they received.
“We let you down, but you never let us down,” Farrell said. “Fast forward to 2006. After a year in Iraq, I had family and friends waiting for me. But do you know who else was there? You guys! Vietnam veterans, total strangers, greeting Iraq War & Afghanistan War veterans when we came home. I got the homecoming that you guys deserved, because you took it upon yourselves to say never again – never again will a generation of veterans be abandoned. Now – today and forever, as you go into later life, let us take care of you. Welcome home!”
The special salute came about as a result of Kovatch’s continual hearing of a common theme carried by Vietnam veterans, their feelings of a lack of respect for the service they gave.
“They spoke of being spat on, disrespected, and called terrible things. Well, that’s not going to happen anymore,” Kovatch said.
Kovatch, the daughter of Vietnam Veteran Wesley Eckert and mother of Active Guard Reserve Tech Sgt. Derek Presto, said in organizing and receiving RSVPs for the March 29, 2026 event, she was able to spend many hours on the phone with Vietnam veterans who shared some of their memories and experiences with her.
“They are humble, wonderful veterans who weren’t welcomed home and weren’t respected as they should have been,” Kovatch said. “One told me after this weekend’s event that this was the first day that he really felt seen or appreciated since he left Vietnam. That was our wish that every veteran would walk away feeling appreciated and respected.”
During a program at the Owen Street Post #161, PJHS student Noah Halpenny sang the Star Spangled Banner, and several speakers expressed gratitude to the veterans.
Representing Port Jervis Mayor Dominic Cicalese, who was on a work assignment, Fourth Ward Councilman Stanley Siegel shared the mayor’s understanding that those who answered the call did not receive the recognition and respect that they earned.
“This is not something that we can change, but it is something we can acknowledge,” Cicalese shared. “In a small town like ours, service is not just remembered. It is known and it is personal. You are heroes in history. You are part of our family.”
Siegel, himself a Vietnam era veteran, reflected that he felt it was not just about those who served during the Vietnam War, or where they were or what they did.
“I think it was the times. If it was today, I think we would have been treated much differently,” Siegel said. “I want to say welcome home, and stand tall.”
Some of the veterans in attendance shared glimpses of their own experiences as they were acknowledged by Post #161 Past Commander/Vietnam War Veteran Henry Dunn as being recipients of either a Purple Heart or Bronze or Silver Star.
One, the recipient of a Silver Star and five Bronze Stars, spoke of a lengthy battle on Hamburger Hill, and lifesaving measures he was able to provide to his severely wounded commanding officer.
“We were 12 days and 12 nights to get to the top of Hamburger Hill, all the while under fire as we went up,” shared Alain Lajoux who served with the 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division. “My C.O. was one of the bravest, best men I’ve even known.”
Those in attendance nodded their heads in understanding as those recognized by Dunn spoke of personal places, actions, and thoughts experienced during the Vietnam War. Dunn also acknowledged the absence of the local post’s highest decorated veteran Ron Mercurio, who was unable to attend at the last minute due to a family member’s health.
Pastor Amy Garret, herself having come from a military family and whose two brothers were drafted to Vietnam and later died from Agent Orange-related illness, asked for blessings for all gathered.
“Make me Brave. Make me brave for life. God made me brave, and out of the dark comes the light,” Garret shared from a writing she had saved.
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