Oral History

John W. “Bill” Pospisil, Jr., U.S. Army Captain, recalls his time in Vietnam during the Vietnam War in a series of interviews. He was in Troop A, 7th Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, in Vietnam from October 21, 1968 to October 17, 1969.

As recorded by English colonist John Rolfe, the arrival of “20 and odd” African men and women in late August 1619, was a pivotal moment in the nation’s history. These Africans were stolen by English privateers from a Spanish slave ship and brought to Point Comfort on a ship called the White Lion. African Landing Day does not celebrate the circumstances surrounding the arrival of the first Africans to our shores. The commemoration serves as a marker in history that shines a light on the incredibly powerful 402 year journey, and offers some hope in the continued struggle to dismantle the systems of oppression created by the original sin.

Vermont First African Landing Day was established by the Vermont Racial Justice Alliance to educate the public about the arrival of Africans in the United States; to recognize and highlight the resilience and contributions of African-Americans since 1619; and, to acknowledge the impact that slavery and laws that enforced racial discrimination have on the United  States. It offers food, storytelling, dance, drumming, musical performances and more. Vermont First African Landing Day provides an opportunity for those who are interested to learn about the heritage, struggles and triumphs of the first Africans who were brought to the shores of what would become the United States.

Vermont First African Landing Day “2021”

This is a time for Vermont to join the global commemoration, to recognize and highlight the resilience and contributions of African-Americans since 1619 as we reflect upon one of the historical events that forever changed what would become the United States and the planet as we know it!

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John W. “Bill” Pospisil, Jr., U.S. Army Captain, recalls his time in Vietnam during the Vietnam War in a series of interviews. He was in Troop A, 7th Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, in Vietnam from October 21, 1968 to October 17, 1969.

John W. “Bill” Pospisil, Jr., U.S. Army Captain, recalls his time in Vietnam during the Vietnam War in a series of interviews. He was in Troop A, 7th Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, in Vietnam from October 21, 1968 to October 17, 1969.