A SOLDIER'S PERSPECTIVE
THE WEB'S LEADING MILITARY BLOG SINCE 2004
Thousands of Vietnam Veterans from all 50 states are making plans to gather in Downtown Las Vegas for Operation Welcome Home, a four-day celebration to publicly honor, thank and recognize America’s 2.7 million Vietnam Vets beginning Thursday, Nov. 10 and concluding Sunday, Nov. 13, 2005. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the end of America’s involvement in Vietnam. Operation Welcome Home celebrates the service and legacy of the courageous men and women who answered our nation’s call during this volatile time in history.
Emily and I are planning on attending Saturday and taking the family with us. If anyone in Vegas would like to meet up, just send me an email and we’ll organize something. I was going to take my motorcycle as well, but finances and common sense changed my mind.
Hank Brake is going to be there. I had the privilege of meeting him when I went to Maryland earlier this year for Memorial Day.
I’m glad that the Vietnam Veterans are starting to get the praise and recognition they so richly deserve.
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Can anyone tell me how to reach a poster here via email? I need to sp
Wilson Kolb
Now there’s something I can’t argue with. It’s a good idea.
Papa Ray
Dang, I’d like to be there but finances and responsibility for my sweet 4 1/2 y/o Granddaughter have priority.
Have a great time and drink a couple for me.
Papa Ray
West Texas
USA
antimedia
CJ, I never went to Vietnam. I served six years in the Navy, all secret work, far away from combat. My closest cousin, Donald, who I lived with and loved deeply, died there.
I’ve never been involved in any veteran’s stuff, because I didn’t feel like I’d earned the right to stand alongside my brothers who had paid so much and been so despised. Even now, I can’t write about it much without crying. It’s taken me this long just to understand how deeply I was hurt by the treatment we all received.
I’m glad Americans are finally accepting us. Maybe some day all of us can “come home”.
CJ
AM (it’s shorter than just typing out antimedia, which is shorter than this long parenthetical phrase),
Don’t kid yourself. Your six years of service is six more years than most Americans and worthy of recognition. Honorable service does not need to include combat or combat direct combat support to be legitimate. You deserve as much recognition as anyone else who served.
If we had more military veterans in public office, we wouldn’t be having many of the problems we have in this country. Military service teaches discipline and integrity. Granted, some people still don’t learn those attributes. Don’t sell yourself short. You’re a veteran. Be proud of that.
Donna
CJ,
You said to antimedia just what I was feeling. Antimedia, you should be very proud of your service to our country and it’s people because we as citizens are very proud of you and thank you!!
Donna
Yeah!!! for all of our vets… whether Vietnam or otherwise!! WE Love You and Thank You for your service!!
seawitch
I wish my Dad could hear about this. He died last year and had served two tours of duty in Vietnam as a Seabee. The reaction of people to Vietnam hurt him greatly.
Antimedia thank you for serving our country. You and all who served during Vietnam did an outstanding job in the midst of alot of hostility from your own countrymen. I salute you.
And thanks to CJ and all the others who are doing an awesome job now!!
11thacr
AM:::: You have every right to be a proud Vet……and Happy Veterens Day to ya …..
Tim
I am glad to hear I’m not the only person who felt as AM did about their service. I served in the Air Force, stateside, during the Vietnam Conflict. I too never felt I had earned the right to stand alongside those who served “in country”. I felt my service paled compared to their sacrifice. It took over 20 years before I would even acknowledge my time in the military and I now, ever so slowly, feel better about the time I spent in uniform. It was a difficult time to be in uniform.
CJ, thanks for the kind response and words you said to AM, made me feel better too. Thank you!
I have the utmost respect for anyone who has served, or is currently serving, you’re all my heros! I have a daughter in the Army currently serving in Iraq. My son just enlisted in the DEP for the Navy. I’m trying to talk my wife into joining the Marines so we have all branches of the service covered, but… she’s 50 years old now and thinks she’s a bit old to play “soldier”.
My thanks to all the veterans, both past and present, I’m very proud of all of you.
CJ
Tim, and thank you for your service.
bill stewart
Our project “Welcome Home soldier” although originally launched for current returning troops, has had a powerful impact on Vietnam era veterans who did not receive a proper Welcome Home. In our recent video procuctionwe recognize WW 2, Korean and vietnam Vets as well as current warriors.
We have given away more than 4,000 copies of the Cd during the first 90 days of the project. http://www.welcomehomesong.com