Fall River City held a remembrance ceremony at Bicentennial Park on the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon, where veterans, elected officials and family members spoke about service, sacrifice and the ongoing needs of Vietnam-era veterans.

Speakers included Justin Lettini, regional director for Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) Chapter 207, who urged attendees to visit the memorial wall, touch the names and speak them aloud so the dead “will never be forgotten.” He described a recent wreath‑laying ceremony in Washington, D.C., where he said schoolchildren showed respect by removing their caps during the pledge and national anthem.

Talus Ferris, director of veteran services for Fall River, thanked the VVA Chapter 207 for preserving the city’s history and said local remembrances and memorials help ensure veterans are not overlooked. Mayor Paul Coogan said the turnout showed the city “cares” and praised the years of planning that built the memorial.

Gold star mother Jane Van Geysen read a poem honoring her son, who was killed in action, and urged attendees to remember veterans with “smiles and laughter” rather than only sorrow. Pat McCrory, introduced as a former Army nurse who served in Da Nang, described difficult experiences returning home and said attitudes have changed over time, contributing to a greater willingness today to recognize veterans’ service.

Sergeant Major Harry Therian recalled medical personnel and medevac pilots whose actions saved lives and described long-term consequences faced by veterans, including illnesses the speakers attributed to Agent Orange exposure and struggles with post‑traumatic stress. Several speakers noted high rates of suicide among Vietnam veterans and the importance of community support programs such as local veteran “coffees” where former service members check in on one another.

The program included an opening prayer by Father Phil and closing military honors performed by Honor Guard followed by the playing of Taps. The ceremony concluded with a request by organizers that attendees visit the wall and speak the names etched there.

No formal votes or city actions were taken during the ceremony; remarks were commemorative and focused on remembrance and veteran support.