"An Overdue Welcome Home"

The following is an excerpt from a letter written by Mike Helm, the National Commander of the American Legion, about the upcoming Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day (March 30, 2015). You're invited to read the entire letter at this link.

Mike Helm, National Commander of the American Legion

In the late 1960s and early 1970s, servicemembers returning home from duty in Southeast Asia were often greeted with protest signs, defamatory chants, spit and worse – a stark contrast to the way veterans returned home from battle after World Wars I and II. Thankfully, post 9/11 generation veterans do not have to duck into airport restrooms to change from their uniforms to civilian clothes as some Vietnam veterans were forced to do.

To this day, I don't understand why my fellow Vietnam veterans were ever treated like they were the enemies. But I am grateful that times have changed, that we welcome home with open arms our men and women who serve in harm's way and now, belatedly, offer thanks to those of my era, as well. Specifically, the annual celebration, Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day, recognizes this remarkable group.

Continued at legionemail.com ...

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In Closing...

The WAVP Veterans Center honors the Veterans of yesterday, today and tomorrow. It recognizes and celebrates the sacrifice of those who served in past conflicts, those who serve today, and those whose service awaits them. These men and women and their families are ever mindful of the reality that freedom is not free. It is in this spirit that we build this very special home "Where Patriots Gather"