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(Washington,
DC) -- Today has been
designated as “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day” by a resolution
of Congress, thanks in no small measure to the efforts of Senator Richard
Burr, Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, and
Representative Linda Sanchez in the House. However belated the
recognition of the service and sacrifice of those of us who served in
Southeast Asia during the years of what was then America’s longest war, it
is appreciated.
For far too long, citizens of all
political persuasions blamed those who served for the failures of those led,
those officials whose military as well as political policies failed.
Returning veterans were not welcomed into the bosom of a grateful nation;
instead, many were ignored at best, scorned at worst. The psychological
issues faced by many Vietnam
vets can be traced not simply to what they experienced in Vietnam, but to this unwelcome
home.
Perhaps America has grown up.
Today, Americans embrace those who have volunteered for military service and
have placed themselves in harm’s way – whether they agree or
disagree with the mission in Iraq
or Afghanistan.
These newly minted veterans, and those who continue to serve despite
deployment after deployment, are offered a variety of opportunities and
events across the nation by Americans who want to say in some way, Welcome
Home, and Thank You for Your Service.
Americans belatedly embrace Vietnam veterans as well, having come to the
realization that those who served fought as well as their fathers and uncles
did in World War II and in Korea.
As we approach 50 years since the beginning of that ill-fated venture, events
are being planned nationally as well as locally to honor those who served,
and to remember those who were lost to the war. “Better late than
never” may be a cliché, but it’s never too late to say
Thank You for Your Service, and Welcome Home.
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