To the Editor:
On Wednesday, Jan. 15, more than 100 community members gathered at the Massena Library to listen to a guest speaker, Nellie Coakley. For over an hour, Mrs. Coakley shared her …
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To the Editor:
On Wednesday, Jan. 15, more than 100 community members gathered at the Massena Library to listen to a guest speaker, Nellie Coakley. For over an hour, Mrs. Coakley shared her experiences as a nurse serving during the Vietnam War. She spoke of the sights and smells of the war and the challenges of taking care of severely injured soldiers with limited resources in a dangerous environment.
New challenges were experienced stateside as she had to relearn how to be a civilian. She encountered loneliness from witnessing and experiencing things that she could not share with others. And she spent years fighting for recognition for all women that served in Vietnam.
The audience was touched by her stories of grateful soldiers and their families. One soldier expressed his thanks with a yellow rose delivered to the members of his care team on the anniversary of his injury. His family has continued the tradition since his passing. In another instance she met a Gold Star Mother who lovingly caressed her cheek, commenting that it comforted her to touch someone who had been with her son at the end of his life.
During a question-and-answer period, Nellie’s husband Tom, a fellow Vietnam vet and amputee, spoke briefly and several vets in attendance shared their memories. The evening concluded with a standing ovation and thanks to Nellie and all those vets in attendance for their service and sacrifice.
The event’s sponsor, the Friends of the Massena Public Library, wishes to thank Nellie and all those who braved the frigid weather to attend the event. It was an unforgettable evening.
The Friends of the Massena Public Library