The Villages Daily Sun

THE VILLAGES — To say that Jim Sursely does not look like most people would be stating the obvious.

After all, triple amputees are not common in society.

Yet to say that Sursely is an inspiring man would likely not come as a surprise to attendees of the Vietnam Veterans Day Ceremony on Sunday afternoon at Veterans’ Memorial Park in The Villages.

Speaking at this event, Sursely said, was part of his duty.

“It lets people come into our world a little bit — the life of a triple amputee and a Vietnam veteran,” he said.

Sursely was not alone at the ceremony.

With him was Dennis Joyner, also a triple amputee — and both men are past national Disabled American Veterans commanders.

Both attended the event to spread knowledge and to commemorate the anniversary of the signing of the cease-fire agreement that ended the Vietnam War.

Despite the passing of the years, wars can never be forgotten, Joyner said.

“You live with it for the rest of your life, whether it’s losing three limbs or (having) the visions of what you’ve seen,” he said.

That’s why events like the Vietnam Veterans Day are crucial.

“These types of things (ceremonies) every year help put it (the war) further and further behind and make it easier to deal with,” Joyner said.

Speaking to about 50 people in attendance, Sursely agreed, thanking the crowd.

“I want to say thank you for this Vietnam veterans recognition day because it means a lot to me and it means a lot to my fellow Vietnam veterans.,” he said.

Harold Sievers, the vice president and chaplain of Veterans’ Memorial Park, said he hopes the ceremony can serve as a small way to repay Vietnam veterans for the poor treatment they received upon their return to the United States.

“We’re still working on welcoming them home,” he said. “They deserve it.”

Rachel Katz is a reporter with the Daily Sun. She can be contacted at 753-1119, ext. 9265 or rachel.katz@thevillagesmedia.com.