THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, April 4, 2025 Page 13 The Sounds of Saugus By Mark E. Vogler Good morning, Saugus I wasn’t at the Staff Sgt. Arthur F. DeFranzo VFW Post #2346 last Saturday, where members of local veterans organizations, civic leaders, town officials and patriotic citizens converged to honor our Vietnam War veterans and their families. But from everything I’ve heard, it was a moving, emotional event that I would have enjoyed had I gone. The Parson Roby Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and the Judge Samuel Holten Society of the Children of the American Revolution teamed up for a special celebration honoring the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. Each veteran received a special Vietnam lapel pin, a challenge coin, a proclamation from President Donald Trump, a thank you note and a warm “welcome home” reception – that some in attendance were reported to say was long overdue. I’m not a veteran. I chose to go on to study Journalistic Studies at UMass Amherst. And I guess I was one of the lucky ones, who drew number 362 in the draft lottery held on Aug. 5, 1971, by the Selective Service System. After having a stressful summer wondering what I would do if I did get drafted, I was relieved that I could continue my college education without interruption and go on to my career. I used to joke to my friends that it was the only time I ever won the lottery. But my twin brother – the late U.S. Air Force Sgt. Lance Arthur Vogler – decided after graduating from Diman Vocational School in Fall River in 1971 that he would enlist to serve his country, in what would probably wind up being an assignment to South Asia during the Vietnam War. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran who survived the Vietnam War – serving his time in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, ‘Nam The Kasabuski Arena at Breakheart Reservation serves as a living memorial to John and Walter Kasabuski, two Saugus brothers who died 12 days apart in the final months of World War II. (Photo courtesy of Laura Eisener) and apparently parts where American service people weren’t supposed to be – coming home without a scratch. Lance was definitely in harm’s way during his time in Southeast Asia, based on some of the stories he told me. I’m sure the worst ones, he kept to himself. He came home after doing his duty and became an excellent college student and was making the most of the GI Bill. He was studying for his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology and would have gone into Junior year in the fall semester of 1978. Ironically and tragically, after making it home safely from the war, Lance died on Memorial Day of 1978. On a dark, foggy night, less than an eighth of a mile from my folks’ house in Swansea, he hit a curb with his motorcycle and was fatally injured. I was chasing stories in West Texas at the time of my brother’s death. As a reporter who began my newspaper career in my Junior year of college, I got to observe firsthand some of the unfortunate – and sometimes hostile treatment that returning Vietnam veterans were exposed to – during and after the war. I observed the war protests at UMass. I got to talk to veterans who didn’t feel very appreciated and were sometimes subjected to verbal abuse from older veterans for being part of a losing war. Some were called “baby killers” by anti-war protesters after the My Lai Massacre of unarmed villagers came to light. PTSD, Agent Orange, substandard VA Hospitals, lack of mental health counseling – those were all ongoing stories for reporters at the newspapers where I worked over the years. Over the years, I’ve interviewed Vietnam veterans and heard some compelling stories about the sacrifices they made. So as the nation honors the Vietnam veterans 50 years later, it’s better late than never. That was a great tribute to local Vietnam veterans last weekend. And I often think of Lance and the other Vietnam veterans who are no longer with us. I still carry my brother Lance’s military photo and his last driver’s license in my wallet. Like all Vietnam veterans who have departed, his memory lives on. This week’s “SHOUT OUTs” We received several “shout outs” this week from Saugonians who went to and appreciated the efforts of the local DAR and others responsible for the Vietnam War lapel pinning ceremony: From Selectman Corinne Riley: “I would like to Shout Out Gail Cassarino and the Parson Roby Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution for organizing the pinning ceremony for our Vietnam Veterans. Our men and women didn’t come home to a very welcoming country, so it’s great to try to right a wrong by acknowledging and remembering those who served. Gail and the DAR did exactly that.” From Precinct 6 Town Meeting Member Jeanie Bartolo: “‘This ‘Shout Out’ is to thank the Parson Roby Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution for hosting the Vietnam War 50th Anniversary last Saturday at the VFW Post. Brigadier General Andrea Gail Bennet gave a moving speech. It was a beautiful ceremony honoring our Vietnam Veterans for their service to our country. I would also like to give a ‘Shout Out’ to Pace’s and J&M Pizza for donating the food.” From frequent Saugus Advocate contributor and lifelong Saugonian Janice Jarosz: “On Saturday, March 29, 2025,the Parson Roby Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) with Gail Cassarino Regent and members of the DAR, hosted a Pinning Ceremony for Saugus Vietnam Veterans to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. “Also co-hosting the event were members of the VetTHE SOUNDS | SEE PAGE 15
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