Military & Veterans Life

Scott's View: Remembering A Dear Friend & Advocate for Veterans

Scott Higgins, WeSalute Co-founder & Co-CEO
Scott Higgins

I was saddened to hear the news that fellow Vietnam Veteran and advocate Bernie Edelman passed away. I met Bernie soon after I came home from Vietnam.  A draftee, he was a broadcast specialist and combat correspondent in Vietnam. With talent and grace, he captured the spirit of military service in his writings, with a deep respect for the solemn oath we all swear to when we serve. He edited the best-selling book "Dear America: Letters Home from Vietnam" for the New York Vietnam Veterans Memorial Commission. The popularity of the book led HBO to produce it into a full-length movie, winning HBO its very first Emmy. Bernie served as an associate producer. Later, he served as co-producer of the documentary short, "Memorial: Letters from American Soldiers," which was nominated for an Academy Award. 

Bernie also created important content for the launch of VeteransAdvantage.com over two decades ago for which we are most grateful. He then went on to work at the Vietnam Veterans of America as Deputy Director for Policy and Government Affairs, working for our friend Rick Weidman, and produced great work over many years. 

He was passionate about ensuring our fellow veterans are never forgotten. We will never forget Bernie. Godspeed to a dear friend.

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