Vietnam Era Veteran Welcome Home & Pinning Ceremony

When the American soldiers returned home from World War II in 1945, they were greeted as heroes in the United States. Cities and towns across the country held parades to honor the returning veterans and recognize the sacrifices they had made. But the homecoming was very different for most Vietnam veterans. They came back to find the United States torn apart by debate over the Vietnam War. There were no victory parades or welcome-home rallies. Instead, most Vietnam veterans returned to a society that did not seem to care about them, or that seemed to view them with distrust and anger.

Not all Vietnam veterans made it back home; 2,646 Americans were unaccounted for at the end of the Vietnam War, in all theaters of operations. Since the end of the war and the repatriation of American prisoners of war in 1973, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency has recovered or identified 1,062 of those. That means 1,584 U.S. service members are still waiting to come home.

This event is an opportunity to recognize and give thanks for all who served during the Vietnam War, including those who were wounded, gave their lives, or went missing. Even in the face of controversy and opposition at home, millions of Americans honorably answered the call to serve our country during this tumultuous time in history. And when those who were fortunate enough to come home finally returned, they were met by ugly protests, scorn and neglect. This event will offer them the heroes welcome they never received. It underscores the need to heal their painful wounds and allows us this occasion to pause and give respect, admiration and thanks to the patriotic men and women who sacrificed so much in service to their nation.

This event will honor Vietnam Veterans and their enduring legacy of service, and inspire our community to thank them and their families for their service and sacrifice. Our event will feature a complete order of ceremonies with presentation and retirement of colors, Missing man presentation, 2 local leader speaches, TAPS, Full presentation and pinning ceremony, pinning of spouses. Join us for this event designed to offer our Vietnam Veterans and their families a humble “Thank You” and “Welcome Home” on behalf of our community.