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Vietnam Veterans Brad Kennedy and Ernest “Pete” Peterson: “We’re All Blood Brothers”

After an unexpected contentious return home from the Vietnam War 50 years ago, Brad Kennedy and Ernest “Pete” Peterson finally get the welcoming home they deserve at the 30 Anniversary of the PBS National Memorial Day Concert. Although the spotlight was on their longstanding friendship and heroic sacrifices, the Vietnam veterans used the opportunity to spread several key messages such as, “We can not let the memory of these guys who died and served be forgotten.”

By: Heather Newgen @hnvoluntourist

It’s just two hours until show time and Kennedy and Peterson, who were both honored, eagerly awaited in the lobby of a busy Washington D.C hotel stylishly dressed anticipating sharing their story. As we enter a private room to chat, Kennedy jokes, “When I met Joe Mantegna he gives me a big embrace and I whispered in his ear, “Joe, I don’t want you to take this personally, but I really had requested Dennis Haysbert to portray me” [at the PBS National Memorial Day Concert] He sort of pushed me away a little bit, smiled and said, “We drew straws and you lost,” Mantegna teased back.

WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 26: Acclaimed actor Dennis Haysbert (L) and Tony Award-winner Joe Mantegna (R) onstage at the 2019 National Memorial Day Concert at U.S. Capitol, West Lawn on May 26, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images for Capital Concerts Inc.)

It’s easy to see why the men are friends. They’re both funny, highly intelligent, articulate, easy going, but understandably emotional and serious when talking about their time in Vietnam. While serving together in the 11th U.S. Cavalry, an unshakable bond developed that deeply connects them and other Vietnam veterans together for life.

“Sometimes we were covered in blood and sometimes it was blood of our fellow soldiers. In other cases it was a Viet Cong blood mixing in with our blood. So we’re all blood brothers in a very real sense and we’ll never let that go,” Kennedy explained to The Voluntourist.

The two joined the military for different reasons, but came out with the same perspective, “the people who created this [war] realized they made a major mistake,” Peterson stated.

“Like a lot of blacks in the south we come from a tradition of military families because the army was a way out. Normally what would happen was you’d finish high school and you’d go into the service. If there wasn’t a war going on, you’d come out and then go to college. That’s how you got your tuition money. Unfortunately, Vietnam came along and wiped a lot of us out,” Peterson said.

He added, “Brad was the sharpest guy in the battalion. Brad had been to Drew University and he didn’t have to be out there with the enlisted guys. Brad could have been an officer, but he chose to come out there to be in the field and be an enlisted man.”

The admiration is mutual.

“I’m so glad to be doing this with him because he has wisdom and he always has. I was very happy to be associated with him then and serve with him and to have been reunited again after so many years. We have far more to unite us than what divides us,” Kennedy gushed about his friend.

When coming back from Vietnam, there were no parades in their honor, parties and or any sort of appreciation. Instead the troops were met with ridicule and anger.

“Upon 50 years reflection I’ve reduced what the American people need to hear about the Vietnam War to three things:

The first, they accept and recognize that when we went over there, we thought we were right.

The second thing is you can’t confuse the man with the mission, the soldier with the policy.

And lastly, whatever we did, for better or for worse, was done in the name of the American people and all Americans, even those who weren’t born at the time, share a responsibility for it. It doesn’t just fall on our shoulders. Until Americans make clear to Vietnam veterans they accept that responsibility there will never be harmony or peace in our minds.”

“We returned from Vietnam, nobody wanted to know what we had been through, and there’s a scene [in the PBS trailer] where it shows us as young guys over there in the jungle trying to take care of one another. Then there’s another scene where it shows us today–us old guys coming up from the wall and when I look at that I think, “Damn we’re still taking care of each other.” That meant a lot to me,” Peterson said.

A hostile return home wasn’t all Vietnam veterans encountered. Thousands faced serious health issues that couldn’t be explained.

“My biggest problem wasn’t that I was rejected. So many of us were coming home. We could take care of each other. Our problem was we didn’t want to admit there was something wrong with us. We lied to ourselves, we drank, we did anything except for admit there was something wrong with us. For those who went to the VA to see what was wrong they didn’t know. They played the game and said, “y’all got agent orange,” Peterson revealed.

Vietnam veterans also dealt with personal struggles.

“I had a busted marriage, I drank, everything you do to try to medicate yourself rather than saying to yourself something ain’t right up here. You work your way through it and that’s how we cope. We helped each other. Us young kids–we were just boys. We weren’t men, but when you see guys helping each other [in war] and then you fast forward 50 years and see some of these same guys pushing their brothers in wheelchairs, to me that speaks volumes about what we did for one another. We didn’t wait for the country. We realized they couldn’t really help us because they had to admit they screwed this up. Having said that, I’m still pro military. I still believe in the United States because for me as a black man, the military has already been the forefront of social changes in this country.”

The Vietnam veterans were separated for a decades after the war, but they reunited a five years ago and get together every year.

“We see each other on Veterans’ Day and Memorial Day. We can not let the memory of these guys died and served be forgotten. George Santayana said that those who fail to remember or learn the lessons of history are doomed to repeat them. The price is too steep to allow that to happen,” Kennedy said.

To see more of their story, watch the PBS National Memorial Day Concert here or watch on Demand until June 9, 2019.

May 30, 2019 admin Leave a comment

How Stars Honored American Heroes and Fallen Soldiers at the PBS National Memorial Day Concert

Whether they fought on the beaches of Normandy, battled in the jungles of Vietnam, stormed the sands of Iraq, the mountains of Afghanistan or the harsh Korean terrain, Memorial Day gives us a chance to pause and recognize all of the men and women who selflessly sacrificed for our freedom. For the last 30 years, the award-winning PBS National Memorial Day Concert has paid special tribute to American veterans, and has become the favorite annual tradition for locals to attend and millions to watch.

By: Heather Newgen

The 90-minute patriotic show is held on the West Lawn of the Capitol Building in Washington D.C., and includes dramatic readings from Hollywood’s finest stars retelling the experiences of soldiers, standout performances by top artists and American heroes getting well deserved recognition. The event perfectly blends celebration with reflection, and every branch of the military is beautifully honored with their armed service songs played by the National Symphony Orchestra led by Jack Everly.

Tony Award-winner Joe Mantegna and Tony Award-nominated actress Mary McCormack co-hosted this year’s annual event. The “West-Wing” star has appeared on the broadcast for the last two years to share the stories of Gold Star families and Silver Star recipients, but stepped in for Gary Sinise, who has been a longtime host with Mantegna, but couldn’t participate this year “due to circumstances beyond his control.”

“I’m excited. It’s a real honor. I love being part of the show,” McCormack told The Voluntourist. “I would come and set up chairs or put out snacks [just to be a part of it]. I’m a stalker of the show. It’s so moving. It’s impossible not to get swept up in it.”

For Mantegna, he’s been involved for almost two decades now with the PBS National Memorial Day Concert and says it’s the most important thing he does of the year.

“I’ve had a good life and I know it came on the backs of a lot of other people. Freedom isn’t free. People paid a great price.”

In addition to his hosting duties, the “Criminal Minds” actor teamed up with his buddy Dennis Haysbert to tell the journey of Vietnam veterans Brad Kennedy and Ernest “Pete” Peterson who were reunited five years ago.

“To be able to tell this incredible story with Dennis of these two men who are friends, as Dennis and I are friends, in a way it makes me realize that the kind of friendship that we have didn’t have to go through the trials and tribulations, pain and suffering that these guys did. Our job is to do the best recounting of history as possible.”

Haysbert added, “I’ve known Joe for years and we’re both very sensitive individuals. We take the text and break it down in a very serious and emotional way. It’s special. I cried like a baby [when I heard their story] It’s an incredible honor and a privilege to be able to tell these stories. They want to tell these stories and the American people need to hear it.”

Oscar-nominated actor Sam Elliott was also on hand at the 30th PBS National Memorial Day Concert. “The Ranch” star told the story of U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Ray Lambert who saved countless lives on D-Day.

“I’ve watched this thing for a number of years on television since Ossie Davis was hosting. I’ve known several men over the years who have been in the heart of combat and it’s always touched me to hear those kind of encounters. We civilians rarely get an opportunity to hear those encounters. When I read the story I was totally taken by it. I’m honored to say his words and tell his tale.”

WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 26: Academy Award-nominated actor Sam Elliott (L) greets 98-year-old Ray Lambert, highly-decorated WWII combat medic who landed on Omaha Beach during D-Day, at the 2019 National Memorial Day Concert at U.S. Capitol, West Lawn on May 26, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images for Capital Concerts Inc.)[/caption]

Gold Star Wife Ursula Palmer was an honoree as well at this year’s PBS National Memorial Day Concert for the inspiring ways she gave back to others while coping with the death of her husband Army Sergeant First Class Collin Bowen.

“Station 19” actress Jaina Lee Ortiz told her emotional journey of overcoming inconsolable anguish and finding happiness after tragedy.

“It’s a very challenging story to tell because you can’t help but imagine what her experiences were. Just to be in her shoes for those three minutes is heartbreaking, but also inspiring. I admire her strength and her will to move forward and continue living life. It’s something that you don’t ever forget, It stays with you forever. It’s a story I think everyone should hear. Hopefully it touches people.”

WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 26: Television star Jaina Lee Ortiz onstage at the 2019 National Memorial Day Concert at U.S. Capitol, West Lawn on May 26, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images for Capital Concerts Inc.)

Ortiz continued, “My mom passed this past November. They say grief is a gift and it’s one of the gifts that I can use telling this story. [I’m using those emotions to draw on for, but] also imagination. Having been in love and having been married, just imagine your soul mate going off and possibly never seeing him again. That’s got to be something that eats at your every day.”

All-star musicians Patti LaBelle, Gavin DeGraw, Justin Moore, Amber Riley, and Tony-nominated Hamilton star Christopher Jackson performed, and “American Idol” contestant Alyssa Rahgu kicked things off with the National Anthem.

Watch the PBS National Memorial Day Concert here or watch on Demand until June 9, 2019.

May 30, 2019 admin Leave a comment

How Sergeant Ray Lambert is Honoring his Fellow Soldiers 75 Years after D-Day

Seventy five years ago U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Ray Lambert hit Omaha Beach as the lead medic on D-Day with the first wave.”I was bleeding very badly and getting weaker, but I saw a guy’s arms up in the water. I realized he was in trouble and went there to get him,” he recalled. Lambert, who was part of the First Division’s famed 16th Infantry Regiment, risked his life to save dozens of men during the bloody battle and his incredible story will be told at the award-winning PBS National Memorial Day Concert where he’ll be honored.

By: Heather Newgen @hnvoluntourist

“I’m very excited. One of the reasons I’d really like to do this is all my men that was in my 2nd Battalion medical section are all dead. Some died in Africa. Some died in Sicily and some were killed on D-Day. Those fellows can no longer talk about what they did. I want to do this for my men and their families that are living today. That’s why I’m excited about it,” Ray Lambert said referring to his appearance at the upcoming event.

Now ninety-eight years old, the Alabama native openly details his unforgettable account of D-Day.

“The older I get I realize if I don’t tell my guy’s stories and talk to some of their families, I’ll never get a chance to do it. That’s why I’m perfectly happy to talk about World War II.”

At five a.m. on June 6, 1944, Lambert landed on the shores off the coast of Normandy, France and instantly realized the heavy resistance they faced and how the imposing terrain was not on their side.

“There was nothing on D-Day to get behind or between the machine gun bullets that were coming in. To try to get to some place to treat the soldiers who were wounded was very difficult. The Germans cut down all the foliage and everything that was growing by the hill in front of us. There was a very tiny little wall there. If you could get up to the beach and get to that little wall you could get behind it. But the big problem was getting there,” he said.

But that didn’t stop the bravery and courage that proceeded throughout the imbrued D-Day invasion. As bullets targeted the Allied forces they pressed forward with thousands dying and countless greatly wounded in the first few hours of the fiery attack.

“Two machine guns were firing right into the beach area where we were. We were at Omaha Beach Easy Red. Why they called it Easy I’m not sure. I was getting guys out of the water that was wounded and also trying to keep them from drowning. They had so much equipment on them that they couldn’t swim and they were being dropped off in water over their head,”Ray Lambert revealed.

He continued, “Something went through my right elbow and that kind of shattered my elbow and caused some bleeding. I kept working and didn’t pay much attention to that. I saw a guy hung up on barbed wire. I went in to get him off the barbed wire and had a difficult time. I got him loose and something hit me in the thigh, halfway between my hip and knee. It knocked a big whole [in my leg] almost to the bone and actually kind of knocked me down. I got up and put a tourniquet on just above the wound. I told one of my corporals to try to get more men over to the big rock so they could save them and treat them.”

However, not even two life-threatening wounds could stop Lambert. He kept going.

“I was bleeding very badly and getting weaker, but I saw a guy’s arms up in the water. I realized he was in trouble and went there to get him. When I got to him his equipment was also hung up in the barbed wire and an underwater mine had been set off and he had some injuries. I got him with my right arm, the one that was shattered, and had that around him. I was working with my left hand and finally after going down twice in the water I got him out.”

“As I turned to go back towards the beach, a Higgins boat came in and when he dropped his ramp it hit me in the back and pushed us both right to the bottom. It crushed the lower part of my back and I thought for sure we were both going to die. I said a prayer. I asked God to give me one more chance to save this person. For some reason unknown to any of us, that ramp rolled up and the boat moved to a different spot. My guess is the boat was in the wrong place where fire power was coming in. It was so heavy that they decided to move down the beach. I got the guy out and got him back up. By then I was in terrible shape. I was bleeding terribly bad so I passed out on the beach.”

Before Lambert went unconsciousness he told Corporal Raymond Lepore, a member of his medical unit, to take over. As Lepore stood up, he was hit by a sharp shooter and “dropped dead right next to me,” Lambert said.

Although many lives were saved on D-Day because of the Staff Sergeant, he wanted to do more.

“I was angry because I was going to be out of action. I wanted to stay with the 16th Infantry and go all the way. But to get shot there and get knocked out didn’t please me.”

Lambert’s role helped the Allies to victory on D-Day, which became a turning point for World War II. The former medic has received two Silver Stars and three Purple Hearts and continues to honor his fellow soldiers. He will attend the 75th anniversary next month at the very spot where D-Day took place.

“This will be a chance for me to go back at the rock to see my guy’s names on the plaque. It will be another visit to them,” he stated.

To see more of Lambert’s story, watch the 2019 National Memorial Day Concert on Sunday, May 26 at 8/7c on PBS.

May 19, 2019 admin Leave a comment

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