Memorial Day: Remembering those who never came home

Veterans would be the first to inform you today is not about them. It is about those that by no means got here residence.

Ellis Devero from Tacony is a Vietnam Veteran and says, “I used to be one of many lucky ones.”

Devero served within the Vietnam Struggle. Wealthy Donnelly served within the Korean Struggle. They share a tough bond.

“A number of mates of mine are all lifeless now. Nearly. I am about the one one left. I am 93,” mentioned Donnelly of South Philadelphia.

Ronald Wallace, of South Philadelphia, is a Vietnam Struggle veteran. He says, “This present day to me is sorrow. I do know some individuals who died over there and I take into consideration Vietnam and that would have been me. That might have been me. All of the folks that we misplaced. All these names on that wall. It is kinda tough to even take into consideration them.”

Greater than 30,000 United States service members by no means got here residence from Korea. Greater than 50,000 by no means got here residence from Vietnam.

Joe Fleming is a Gold Star brother.

“My brother died within the Military. Prisoner of warfare camp Korean Struggle. He was the oldest and I am the youngest. He simply turned 21. His physique was by no means introduced again. He was buried someplace in North Korea. We don’t know the place,” mentioned Fleming of Northeast Philadelphia.

Mike Taylor runs the Northeast Philadelphia Vet Middle and says today may be emotional for individuals who did come residence.

“Survivors guilt is a serious element of PTSD. We deal with survivors guilt. We have now a variety of guys who take their very own life because of survivors guilt,” mentioned Taylor.