MONTOUR FALLS N.Y., (WENY) -- January 27th, 2023 marks the 50th anniversary since the signing of the Paris Peace Accords. The treaty was meant to establish peace in Vietnam, and it ended the United States formal involvement in the war. At the Schuyler County Historical Society, they opened an exhibit to honor the date. 

“And we thought it was appropriate to mark this anniversary with this exhibit that honors the men and women from Schuyler County who served during the Vietnam era,” said Glenda Gephart, Executive Director of the Schuyler County Historical Society. 

Michael Stafford is a Vietnam veteran who was on hand for the opening of the exhibit, visiting from Arizona. He graduated from Watkins Glen High School in 1969 and then became a United States Marine. In 1971, Stafford went to serve in Vietnam as an electronics technician.

“I was at 'Camp Swampy' which was in the Da Nang Airbase; I was not a ground pounder I was an electronics technician," said Stafford. 

During his time in Vietnam, Stafford's base was the target of many rocket attacks. He said one of his heartbreaking responsibilities included removing casualties who lost their lives. 

“I guess... was a forklift driver and I would load, after a rocket attack I would load bodies in body bags that were palletized in C-141s and send them back home,” he shared.  

As the importance of the anniversary continues to hold a heavy place in Americans' hearts, Stafford wanted people to know he was very grateful to work with such wonderful service members. 

The exhibit is now open through the middle of May; the museum is open Tuesdays through Saturdays, hours can vary.

The Schuyler Historical Society Brick Tavern Museum is located at 108 North Catharine Street in Montour Falls, NY.