So many of us Vietnam Veterans were not met with a warm welcome home when we returned from Vietnam. But what we did get was something none of us expected. We fought for our country and her values and was trying to help another country retain her freedoms. I for one was rushed into a room once I landed in Los Angeles, CA airport and told to get out of our uniforms quickly and into our civilian clothes so protesters might not recognize us as Soldiers returning from Vietnam. But we were still carrying our duffle bags and I for one had a VC rifle I was also carrying with me so once back in the main terminal area, we were quickly identified by groups of protesters who rushed us calling us names, spitting on us and throwing I think fake blood at us. Shouts of baby killers and more were prevalent from the small but vocal group. No handshakes, no salutes, no pats on the backs, no smiles. Not one person came to say Thank You. But we soldiered on, went quietly to our plane and sat silently feeling very confused and alone on the ride home. Yes I was bitter as I am sure so many were. But like so many others, we turned our bitterness into a passion to ensure no other American Veteran ever has to go through that utterly disgusting show by an American citizen again. Groups like the Patriot Guard, American Legion Riders, AmVets, Eagle Riders, Forgotten Eagles, Rolling Thunder and so many more rose up from that era mostly from Vietnam Veterans starting them to ensure a Heroes Welcome for our returning troops. I am glad to be part of several of these organizations and can say that the past is the past and what we now do for our military is the way it should be and will remain as long as we have Veterans and others who CARE.
Posted on: Sun, 07 Dec 2014 11:54:34 +0000
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