Pocono News Section

Vietnam Veteran's Day

Vietnam Veteran's Day - Monday, March 29, 2010 at 04:03AM EST

Reported by: Mike Trim
Monday March 29 2010
SWIFTWATER, MONROE COUNTY -- Vietnam Veterans day is being held throughout Pennsylvania Monday. Eyewitness News stopped by a celebration at the Pocono Brewing Company in Swiftwater, Monroe County.

Vietnam era veterans were given a complimentary lunch and Bill Kastler, a Vietnam era veteran, enjoyed every minute of it. Kastler, of Stroudsburg, said, "It's a tremendous homecoming that we're finally getting. It's nice."

Vietnam vets Kastler served in the jungles of nam 40 years ago. It took a long time, but now there's a day, March 29th that recognizes their service statewide.

The Pocono Brewing Company knew it was a no-brainer to host this event. Pocono Brewing Company manger Maria Sole said, "All that they've done for us in the past and serving our country. We feel that it's really the least we can do for everything they've done for us."

Veterans like Carl Moritz of Newfoundland give thanks right back. He survived the Tet offensive which was a fiercely fought battle.

He also comes from a long line of military background. Moritz said, "I think that's very important. My dad served in world war two as a marine. He gets recognized every year on Veterans Day and I think the Vietnam vets should be recognized also."

Even those who weren't vets took part. Monroe County Sheriff Todd Martin's father, sister and brother served in the armed forces. Sheriff Martin said, "These men and women have pretty much given up their lives and given their lives to support us, our constitution and what the united states and that's why we're here."