They were mostly young men just out of high school from every walk of life 50 years ago; they served their country in places with names like Pleiku, Khe Sanh, La Drang, Hue, Saigon and Ap Vac in a tiny nation in Southeast Asia named South Vietnam.

The U. S. Congress never declared war on North Vietnam, so it was not a war, it was officially the Vietnam Conflict. Nevertheless, an estimated 58,272 Americans gave up their lives there in a hostilities.

 

The war violently split the nation into those for and those against the war with riots, parades, demonstrations and counter demonstrations.

State Senator Mike Kowall, 15^th District, said: “Our military did not lose the war in Vietnam, the politicians did.”

 

When the veterans came home, it was to a still bitterly divided country; there were no parades, speeches or picnics, no “welcome homes” for Vietnam vets.

Most were ignored, or met with open hostility. “I just kept my head down,” one said.

 

Saturday, June 10, several veterans organizations and many, many volunteers, came together to welcome home and thank the veterans on the 50^th Anniversary of the Vietnam Conflict at the Barry Expo Center.

 

The Center was filled to capacity with veterans, their families and supporters. The Delton High School Band played military-themed music,  there were speakers, tokens supporting veterans for the public, information about the war, American flags, ice water and snacks.

 

The speakers, Brigadier General Mike A. Stone, and State Senators Mike Nofs, 19th District,  and Kowall, all had the same theme: "Welcome home, and thank you for your service. You will never, ever be forgotten."

Sustained applause, and often standing ovations, met every announcement, ceremony, and speaker. Veterans lined up, giving their name, branch of service, and time served before they were “pinned” and again thanked and welcomed home.

 

The afternoon event concluded with a sing along of “God Bless America,” the Delton High School Band performing “America the Beautiful,” the playing of Taps and the Retiring of the Colors.

The organizers of the pinning ceremony were members of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legions, Post 45 Riders, the Disabled Veterans, POW/MIA, and Vietnam Era Veterans and sponsors and volunteers too numerous to mention.

 

For photos, visit Welcome Home, Vietnam Veterans.