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| It appears that the RPA (Richmond Progressive Alliance) City Council will not recognize Veterans Day 2023, but we did maybe for the last time, in 2022 when I was mayor, with the following resolution:
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND CALIFORNIA HONORING VETERANS ON NOVEMBER 11, VETERANS DAY 2022
WHEREAS, at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, Germany signed an armistice agreement with the United States of America and its allies to end World War I;
WHEREAS, in 1938, the United States Congress declared the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday to be dedicated to the cause of world peace celebrated as “Armistice Day” to honor veterans of World War I; and
WHEREAS, in 1954, Congress recognized the American Armed Forces that fought bravely in World War II and during the aggression in Korea and honored them by changing “Armistice Day” to “Veterans Day”; and
WHEREAS, 38 U.S.C. § 101(2) provides: The term “veteran” means a person who served in the active military, naval, or air service, and who was discharged or released therefrom under conditions other than dishonorable; and,
WHEREAS, Richmond’s VFW Post 8399, named after the 761st Tank Battalion, has been reestablished at the Veteran’s Memorial Hall at 968 23rd Street in Richmond; and,
WHEREAS, the Richmond City Council recognizes that Veterans Day is a celebration intended to honor those who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States of America for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good and has designated Veterans Day as an official City of Richmond holiday; and
WHEREAS, Many residents of Richmond, City of Richmond employees and three City Council members have served in the Armed Forces of the United States of America.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND: On this Veterans Day 2022, we honor the many residents of Richmond, City of Richmond employees and three City Council members who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States of America.
It looks like the days of having one or more veterans on the Richmond City Council are probably over.
Veterans Day is not about glorifying war but instead is a recognition of those individuals who served --- In my case with approximately 2.7 million men and women on the ground in Vietnam or its surrounding waters – some 58,000 of which did not return alive. It is estimated that in 2023, only 325,000 of us are still around.
My MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) was 1331, Combat Engineer Unit Commander, and in Vietnam I served 1969-70 in the Operations Section (S-3) of the Headquarters of the 159th Engineer Group, which consisted of three oand four battalions with over 3,000 Engineer troops. It was like the headquarters of a really big construction company – except with bunkers, uniforms, weapons and helicopters. We were mainly building roads and bridges, clearing land, operating quarries and asphalt plants, upgrading protective structures for aircraft and bridges, and providing other infrastructure for the planned “Vietnamization” of the conflict – which ultimately didn’t work out so well. For my typical “day at the office,” see any of the following links to Vietnam home movies, or Before and After Vietnam.
Old soldiers just fade away, and my 53-year-old memories continue to fade.
- Tom Butt, Vietnam 1969-70, HHC 159th Engineer Group, 20th Engineer Brigade
- Mission to Ham Tan, Vietnam 1969
- Construction of Corduroy Road, MSR Zinc, Vietnam 1969
- Saigon from the Rooftop1969
- The Streets of Saigon 1969
- Mission to Vung Tau, Vietnam 1969
- Party for Children of Mama Sans, Long Binh, Vietnam 1969
- Vietnam from Above 1969
- Phu Cuong Float Bridge, Vietnam 1969
- Changing of Command, 159th Engr. Gp., Vietnam 1969
- R&R in Sydney, New Year 1970
Figure 1 - The 159th Engineer Group was awarded Meritorious Unit Commendations in 1969 and 1971 and a Vietnamese Civil Action Honor Medal, First Class in 1970.
Figure 2 - Going Away Plaque, March 1970
Figure 3 - The men of HHC 159th Engineer Group, 1969
Figure 4 - Tom Butt at the Phu Cuong Pontoon Bridge, 1969
Figure 5 - Tom Butt at HHC 159th Engineer Group
Figure 6 - Field briefing at construction site
Figure 7 - Road construction by Army Engineers
Figure 8 - Rock crusher at quarry operated by Army Engineers
Figure 9 – Cleaned and pressed, ready for the next war
Figure 10 - Two years in the Army summarized in two column inches
Nearby Veterans Day 2023 Events:
- Richmond: Veterans Resource Program is hosting a Veterans Day Fair, all are welcomed to celebrate our veterans, residents and all communities. 934 Mine Avenue, Richmond CA 94804, 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM.
- Pinole: Pinole Historical Society presents 15th Veterans Day Memorial and Flag Retirement Ceremony Saturday, November 11, at 11 a.m. in Fernandez Park
- San Francisco’s Annual Veterans Day Parade 2023, Sunday, November 5 – 11:00 am | Cost: FREE | Fisherman's Wharf
- 13 Free Guided Walking Tours For Veterans Day 2023, Friday, November 10 – 9:30 am | Cost: FREE* | All Over San Francisco, Looking for something to do and to explore the city if you have the observed day off for Veterans Day? San Francisco City Guides offers free daily guided walking tours of San Francisco 2023 Veterans Day Free Walking Tours | Friday, November 10, 2023 Friday November 10 9:30 am ...
- Free National Parks Day (2023) Muir Woods + Yosemite for Veterans Day, Saturday, November 11 – All Day | Cost: FREE* | All Over California, Sometimes you’ve just got to get away from it all and clear your head with the peace and serenity of a national park. On certain “fee-free” days throughout the year, enjoy free entry to all national parks and monuments including Muir Woods and Yosemite National Park and free ...
- The Presidio’s Veterans Day Interfaith Service (2023), Saturday, November 11 – 9:00 am | Cost: FREE | Presidio Chapel, Please join us at the historic Presidio Chapel on Saturday, November 11th at 9 am for our Veterans Day Interfaith Service honoring all who have served in our country’s Armed Forces. Mr. Michael Blecker, Executive Director of Swords to Plowshares will be our keynote speaker. ...
- Free Day: Veterans Day at USS Hornet Aircraft Carrier (2023), Saturday, November 11 – 9:30 am | Cost: FREE* | USS Hornet Museum, This year marks two milestones at the USS Hornet Sea, Air & Space Museum. We are celebrating the 80th anniversary of the commissioning of the ship and 25th anniversary of her current mission as a museum on Veterans Day this year. As this is Veterans Day, we ...
- San Jose’s 105th Annual Veterans Day Parade & Ceremony 2023, Saturday, November 11 – 10:45 am | Cost: FREE | Downtown San Jose, Each year, since 1918, the United Veterans Council of Santa Clara County has produced a Veterans Day Parade with support from the City of San Jose, Santa Clara County, and contributions from many individuals and organizations. This parade, the largest Veterans Day Parade in Northern California, ...
- Dublin Hometown Heroes Veterans Day Luncheon, Wednesday • 11:30 AM, Shannon Community Center, From $0.00
- Vallejo Veteran's Day Open House, Sat, Nov 11 • 11:00 AM, 2261 Tuolumne Street, Vallejo, CA, USA, Free
- Veterans Day 2023 - History Sail on San Francisco Bay, Sat, 9:45 AM – 12:30 PM, Schooner Freda B, Yacht Harbor Slip 465, Sausalito, CA
- Veterans’ Day, Sat, 9:30 – 11:30 AM, Marin Center Box Office, 10 Ave of the Flags, San Rafael, CA
- North Bay: Annual Veteran's Day Parade, Sat, 6:00 – 6:05 AM, Petaluma
- Veteran's Day Cruise on San Francisco Bay — , Sat, 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM, Jack London Square, 472 Water St
Oakland, CA
- Veterans Day BBQ 2023, Sun, Nov 5 – Mon, Nov 6, Stemple Creek Ranch | Organic Ranch, Wedding & Event Venue, 900 Burbank Ln, Tomales, CA
- Veterans Day Open House, Fri, 9 AM, Veterans Memorial Building of San Ramon Valley, 400 Hartz Ave, Danville, CA
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