Brief History

Forty-one years ago, on March 29, 1973, the United States ended its military involvement in Vietnam. A total of 58,282 American soldiers lost their lives and another 303,644 Americans were physically wounded, with countless others coming home with deep mental wounds that still haunt them to this day.

Why after all these years?

Depending on your age you may be scratching your head as to why we would welcome someone home after 51 years (January 12, 1962 Operation Chopper took place and marked our first combat mission against the Viet-Cong).

The reason for a homecoming now is because unlike the Veterans of past wars, such as the Korean War, WWII, WWI etc. who were given a heroes welcome, those returning from Vietnam came home to protests, folks spitting on them, calling them baby killers and other horrible things.

On top of the public's horrible treatment it was recently shared with me by a 'Nam Vet that he was not even welcome among his brothers at the American Legion who shamed him because he and his fellow soldiers “lost” the war. Imagine not even being welcomed by your brothers in arms. This treatment by the public and fellow Vets left a deep emotional scar on many 'Nam Vets.

Fast forward to 1991 and the end of the Gulf War. The men and women of that conflict were welcomed home with open arms and parades, which was great as we did not repeat the history of Vietnam. But to the 'Nam Vets it reopened the wound of their unwelcome homecoming. My father, who served 2 combat tours in 'Nam (66-68), was a ball of emotions, happy for the returning heroes receiving a proper welcome home and at the same time hurt as it brought up bad memories of his homecoming.

More years went by, still with no welcome home by the public or the White house.

Finally an official Welcome Home

After 49 years and 7 presidents the day finally came for the White House to recognize & welcome home all 'Nam Vets.

Thank you to President Barack Obama for his official Proclamation on March 29^th 2012, declaring that day forever more as Vietnam Veterans Day.

Many communities have functions planned to Welcome Home the 'Nam vets each year on the 29th. Please check your local listings and participate if you can.

Final Thought

If there is one piece you take away from this blog I hope it is this: If you have a 'Nam Vet in your family, circle of friends or just a stranger you bump into; grasp their hand for a firm hand shake, look them in the eye and give a heart felt Welcome Home. It will mean the world to them.

In Memoriam

Arnold J. Kauppinen, 1946-2008