In May 1970, U.S. Army Cpl. Eatterson Byrd, Jr. lost his life while serving in the Vietnam War. Byrd, Jr. and so many others that sacrificed their lives to protect our country will be honored and remembered Monday.
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ROCHELLE —In May 1970, U.S. Army Cpl. Eatterson Byrd, Jr. lost his life while serving in the Vietnam War. Byrd, Jr. and so many others that sacrificed their lives to protect our country will be honored and remembered Monday.
The Rochelle chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) honored Byrd, Jr. Thursday, along with nearly 20 other Vietnam veterans at a commemorative luncheon held at the Roberts Armory.
Ronald Byrd, brother to the solder killed in action during the Vietnam War accepted the award. Ronald also served in Vietnam from June 1969 to September 1970.
“We honored 18 living veterans, one veteran who passed in 2013 from the effects of Agent Orange and Cpl. Byrd who was KIA [killed in action],” Lydia Roberts, Rochelle chapter NSDAR Regent said. “We also honored 16 family members for their support of the veterans and Sergio Sotelo for his service in the 1980s and his ongoing support of veterans. In addition we had four veterans who had been honored previously, and returned to be part of honoring the new honorees.”
Sotelo also served as guest speaker during the commemorative luncheon and spoke of his service in the 101st Airborne Division, also known as the Screaming Eagles, for eight years. During his service, Sotelo was an Army linguist, supporting the Army Rangers speaking English and Spanish.
Sotelo currently operates the Soldiers Lounge, a coffee shop in Sterling, IL, that is open to the public. During his speech, Sotelo said at the coffee shop he has assisted many veterans by lending an ear while often reminding them that through their troubles they have served their country, which is something to be proud of.
“Their purpose is to provide a safe place for all veterans, friends, and family members of veterans to come and gather to support and share in a place that cares and listens by fellow comrades in arms,” Roberts said regarding the coffee shop. “All items on their menu are offered on a donation basis.”
Sotelo read a poem, “Finding My Way Home,” describing the life of a soldier returning to civilian life, which is often with difficulty.
The event commemorates the 50th anniversary of the war with the intent to thank and honor the veterans of the Vietnam War and includes all who served in the U.S. Armed Forces during the period of 1955 to 1975.
“This is the third year our chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) has been privileged to honor the Vietnam Era veterans. Each time, we are amazed at how much a simple "Thank You!" means to these vets who came home to a divided nation, some to having eggs and tomatoes thrown at them. Even more amazing to us is how many vets want to come back each year and help honor the new group of veterans! To look into their eyes and express the thanks of a "Grateful Nation" for their service is a humbling and deeply moving experience for each one of us,” Roberts said.
The veterans were presented with a commemorative lapel pin and a personalized certificate.
