Vietnam Veterans Reception held on March 30
Chuck Veltri
The saying “There’s more that unites us than divides us” was very apparent at the Vietnam/Vietnam Era Veterans Day reception held on March 30 at the Tuscany Falls Chianti Room. The organizers of the event, all Vietnam veterans, recognized the need to tell their fellow veterans, “Welcome Home.”
In attendance were 115 Vietnam/Vietnam Era veterans who exhibited enthusiasm that the event was being held. Once again, the brotherhood they felt during their years of service was immediately felt. A simple nod, shaking hands, and pats on the back silently said “I have your back brother.” Veterans spent almost three hours telling their stories and meeting each other, many for the first time.
Although the Vietnam War ended in 1975, Vietnam veterans have fought for many years to reclaim the honor and respect that they were denied when they returned home. Vietnam vets did not have any airport crowds, welcome parades, banners, or even a thank you to greet them when they returned from their service and for many years, unjustly carried the stigma of that war with them. Despite the apathy and outright hostility shown to them, these veterans, many who loved their country even when their country did not love them, came home and helped build the America that we all love today.
A recent headline said, “Time is getting short to thank Vietnam veterans.” That is truer now than ever before. These veterans want their stories to be known and passed on to future generations. At a time when our country was divided, these Vietnam veterans were united in their duty to serve their country and help provide a better America for everyone, and they did their jobs very, very well! These men truly are one of the greatest generations!
Welcome Home!