Hometown Heroes.....A Grateful Welcome Home To Vietnam Veterans

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The Vietnam War was one of the most Challenging and controversial chapters in our country’s history. The Vietnam War began on November 1, 1955, and ended April 30, 1975, and claimed the lives of over 58,000 Americans with many still unaccounted for. The Vietnam War Veterans Recognition act of 2017 established March 29th as the annual observance of Vietnam War Veterans Day. March 29th is a fitting choice to honor Vietnam Veterans, as it was the day United State Military Assistance Command Vietnam was disestablished and the day that the last of American troops left Vietnam.

It was to be a bittersweet day. Yes, the troops were coming home, but the controversy that was existent at home over the war shed a dark shadow over what should have been a celebratory time. Unlike the celebrations and parades for the troop’s homecoming from earlier wars, our Vietnam troops were instead met by people turning their backs on them when seen in public and asking questions like “how many babies and women did you kill over in Vietnam”. It became clear that the Vietnamese peasants did not welcome American troops. Many Americans questioned that if this be the case, why their country was involved if the local population did not want them there, and questioned how the American Government could justify standing up for this oppressive regime.

Opposition to the war came from a number of sources and for a number of reasons. No matter the reason for the opposition, it was the American troops who suffered, not only the physical and psychological fallout of combat, but the emotional letdown effects of expecting a welcome home, only to be shunned and in some instances ridiculed.

The Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that today there are more than 7 million U.S. Vietnam veterans living in America and abroad, along with 10 million families of those who served during this time frame and to them we offer a very grateful WELCOME HOME! 

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Mark Your Calendars!!!

The Parma Area Senior Veterans meetup group is hosting a Vietnam Veterans Day Tribute event on March 27th at 1pm at the Donna Smallwood Senior Activity Center, 7010 Powers Blvd, Parma. All Viet Nam Vets in attendance will receive a Vietnam lapel pin and a certificate. There will be a narrative reading of the famous picture “reflections”, a POW/MIA empty chair table ceremony, Welcome speech by State Representative Sean Brennan, a tribute to all those lost in the Vietnam war from Parma and surrounding areas, special VIP guests, door prizes, raffles and a 50/50 followed by a complimentary Luncheon Buffet.

We expect a capacity turnout, so it is imperative that you register to be guaranteed a seat. Reserve your seat by calling or texting 440-263-0507, or by email to parmaareaseniorvets@yahoo.com or stop by the front desk at the Smallwood Center.