Vietnam vets honored in Facebook event by VA hospital

On March 29, 1973, the final U.S. troops came home from the war in Vietnam, marking the end of the nation’s involvement in that conflict.

The White River Junction VA Health Care System is celebrating the date with a Facebook live event featuring a veteran reading from a book he wrote about his experiences in Vietnam.

J. Gene Robichaud will read excerpts from his book, “365 and a Wake-Up,” beginning at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, March 29. Robichaud enlisted and was deployed to Vietnam in 1966. During his time there he wrote home frequently.

Twenty years after he had returned home, Robichaud’s mother gave him a shoebox full of his old letters, inspiring Robichaud to begin writing down his memories of the war, including some of the letters he sent home.

More than 3 million Americans served during the Vietnam War. Robichaud will read selected excerpts from his book to honor his comrades, and “enlighten anyone who is interested in one soldier’s experiences,” according to a news release from the White River Junction VA Health Care System.

Contact Dan D’Ambrosio at 660-1841 or ddambrosio@freepressmedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @DanDambrosioVT. This coverage is only possible with support from our readers.

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