Lockport turns out to honor Vietnam vet

More than 300 people gathered on Oct. 30 to recognize the heroism of Francis "Bud" Smolich, a Vietnam veteran whose Army unit was honored by President Obama earlier in the month.

A large screen was set up at the Lockport Veterans of Foreign Wars post, and the crowd watched a video of Obama's speech in the White House Rose Garden.

For a good portion of the video, Smolich is just to the right of the president, standing behind him.

Smolich, of Lockport, was a sergeant in Alpha Troop, First Squadron, 11th Armored Calvary Regiment. In March 1970, Alpha Troop rescued another unit that had walked into an ambush by the North Vietnamese army.

Alpha Troop is now the recipient of the Presidential Unit Citation. Smolich has the small blue ribbon, along with his two Bronze Stars.

During the battle, Smolich commanded soldiers who pounded enemy bunkers with mortar fire, and also lit the way to safety after the battle by firing illumination rounds in the sky.

On Oct. 30, the Lockport crowd repeatedly gave Smolich standing ovations. Mayor Dev Trivedi, who honored Smolich at a previous city council meeting, was in the audience. The evening also included a speech by Don Randich, former mayor of Crest Hill, which is where Smolich grew up.

During his speech, Smolich drew the audience's attention to a comment Obama made during the White House ceremony: "We have an obligation to all who served in the jungles of Vietnam," Obama said in his speech. "Our Vietnam vets answered their country's call and served with honor. But one of the saddest episodes in American history was the fact that these vets were often shunned and neglected, even demonized when they came home. That was a national disgrace. And on days such as this, we resolve to never let it happen again."

On Oct. 30, Smolich said: "When President Obama made the statement that it was a dark day in America's history ... I could appreciate that."

"I look at all the recognition that I had, and I can't help but think of those veterans who did a lot of heroic things, and they never got credit," Smolich said.

"I would like to share this night with every veteran, especially those from Vietnam -- to celebrate with me. Because it's not about me, it's about us," he said.

In an emotional moment, Smolich honored his mother, Sophie, before the large audience.

"Mom, I just wanted to thank you. I give you this blue ribbon, and it says, 'Today, you are my hero,'" Smolich said. "I thank you for all of the hard work you did to give us kids the little extra things. I want to thank you for building such a strong, close-knit family as we have, and I love you dearly for it."

Larry Patrick then performed the song "Medals for Mothers."

Smolich, son of Frank and Sophie Smolich, is married to Cheri (Anderson) Smolich. The couple has two children, Joy Conley and Eric Smolich. Joy and her husband, Ron, have two children, Austin and Gage. Austin accompanied Francis and Cheri on the October trip to Washington.

On Friday, Smolich was escorted to the VFW by vehicles from the Lockport police and the Lockport Township Fire Protection District. He and his wife entered the building between two rows of men holding large flags.