MoranMemorial Day weekend, 2013 marked the end of an era in Charlotte. Charlotte High School played host to the final Vietnam Veterans Roundtable that Friday. A program that inspired thousands of students and honored Vietnam veterans for 25 years had come to a close with the planned retirement of CHS teacher, John Moran.
Three years later, Moran has found new life within the opportunities that have presented themselves at CHS. Instead of retirement, Moran is continuing his work as one of Charlotte High School’s most popular teachers. Now, he has decided to restore one of its most popular programs.
The Vietnam Veterans Roundtable makes its return Friday, May 27 with one big change. The program will take place after school at Charlotte VFW Post 2406, located at 615 Lansing Street. The program will begin slightly after 3 p.m. and go until 5 p.m., at which time, veterans and guests will be invited to participate in the VFW’s regular Taco Night.
Moran said he is hopeful the Roundtable will help boost Taco Night attendance, which serves as a big fundraiser for the VFW Post.
The Vietnam Veterans Roundtable has served as an opportunity to Veteran’s to share their experiences with Charlotte High School students. It has had a profound effect on Veterans and students through the course of 25 years.
“We were never welcomed home,” said Vietnam veteran Sherman Ellard prior to the final Roundtable in 2013.  Ellard participated in all but the first Roundtable at Charlotte High School. “There were no flags flying, no parades or welcome home parties. Our own military discriminated against Vietnam vets. But, at the roundtable, they welcome us home every time. It feels good to no longer be ashamed of being a Vietnam veteran.”
“He’s made us feel at home,” Vietnam veteran John Potter added at the time. “John’s gone out of his way to help us.”
In the past, students would spend time in small groups, hearing first-hand accounts of what life was like for soldiers during the Vietnam War.
“One thing I will always remember was shortly after the Persian Gulf War, one of the kids came home and said, ‘If it wasn’t for some of you guys, I’d be dead today. You told me to turn up my senses and I never forgot that,’” Ellard recalls. “That message came from the Veterans at Roundtable.”
Moran started the Roundtable as a means to educate students about the Vietnam War, learn of the effects the war had/has on American society, the effects it had in politics and on the veterans themselves.
“The most important thing I think its taught students over the years is that freedom doesn’t come free,” Ellard said. “I hate to use that cliché, but 52,000 or more died in Vietnam. Those men and women on that (Vietnam Memorial) wall will always be young. They gave the ultimate sacrifice. They’re the real heroes, not us.”