'A lot of futures were left in Vietnam': Wisconsin veterans honored in Waukesha

 

WAUKESHA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Dozens of veterans and their families gathered Saturday, Nov. 9, at the Schuetze Recreation Center to pay tribute to those who served our country and thank our local veterans.

"When you think of veterans, you've got to think about the selfless sacrifice that an individual makes to raise their right hand and join one of our armed services," said Chief Master Sergeant, William Markham.

The City of Waukesha's 13th Annual Operation Honor: A Salute to Veterans, brought local veterans together, honoring their service and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

"They've given up so much and the veterans really have done their duty and it's our duty now to say thank you and honor them for the things they have sacrificed for us," said Joanna Adamicki with the City of Waukesha's Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry.

Featured at the ceremony, a traveling exhibit called "Wisconsin Remembers: A Face for Every Name." It displays a photo of each of the 1,161 Wisconsinites officially listed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C.

"The purple heart always says some gave all and all gave some and this is a group that gave it all and it's a sad thing," said Vietnam Veteran Richard Arthur Cherone.

Cherone served in Vietnam as a combat medic and was emotional as he recognized some of the fallen heroes who didn't make it back.

"I feel bad for some of the fellas that are on these pictures that I served with," said Cherone. "I treated them before they died."

Thankful to have made it home to his loved ones.

"I always say a lot of futures were left in Vietnam," said Cherone.

Local veterans grateful to share the day with others who served.

"Seeing the veterans that are in Waukesha County man that just warms my heart because it's something that, its team camaraderie," said Chief Master Sergeant Markham. "It's something that we all have in common."