Learn About Avon's Vietnam War Ties in VFW Exhibit

About 60 members of the Gildo T. Consolini VFW Post 3272 are Vietnam War veterans.

You can read their histories and view artifacts and information about the war in the VFW's Vietnam exhibit, "Our Service in Vietnam."

"There are so many misconceptions about the Vietnam war and those of us who served," said Vietnam veteran William Newman, a past post commander.

1968 was a rough year in United Stated history, he said. Walter Cronkite turned against the war and most media coverage on Vietnam was not favorable, he said. Members of the press, who had not seen battle or been trained to experience what soldiers do in war, visited the war zone and were frightened, Newman said.

The American Legion and many VFWs did not want affiliation with Vietnam veterans. Many soldiers, even the wounded, were berated by the public when they returned home.

But those sentiments have come full circle, he said, as Vietnam veterans become more respected.

Newman said that he feels it's the post's duty to educate people about "what really happened" in the war from local Vietnam veterans' perspectives to clear up the myths.

"I think it's part of my responsibility," he said.

Veterans volunteer staffing the exhibit in the History Room at the Avon Free Public Library every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The post recommends touring the exhibit with a veteran who can help explain some of the intricacies of the war.

"We hope from this exhibit to show a wider perspective on it and more insight into the real story of Vietnam," Newman said

The exhibit will remain open during library hours until Oct. 31 and is free.

"People really like it," Newman said. "There's a lot of info there."