Nam Vets
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 962
Likes: 0
From: .....
As I stepped off of the plane, coming home from Desert Storm, I found myself walking on a red carpet that led all the way into a large hanger. What I saw next as I entered the hanger caused my knees to buckle, my eyes to start streaming, and almost drop the battalion colors that I had been asked to carry home. Both sides of the red carpet were lined with disabled Vietnam veterans in wheelchairs. I silently dedicated what I had just been through to those men that day.
What an ignorant ungrateful punk kid I was while you guys were over there fighting and dying for this country. I paid little attention to the killed and wounded counts on TV, I took you and the whole Vietnam War thing for granted, and I slept though my classes when we discussed it in school.
I beg you forgiveness.
When I try to comprehend what you guys went through, and then take a look at what I went through, it doesn’t even begin to compare; I can barely call myself a veteran in your presence.
On behalf of my children and my grandchildren, I, with all the sincerity I can muster, thank you. Without your service, your actions, this country would not be the great country it is today, I would not be who I am today, and my children would not be able to become who they will be tomorrow.
Welcome Home Gentlemen!
What an ignorant ungrateful punk kid I was while you guys were over there fighting and dying for this country. I paid little attention to the killed and wounded counts on TV, I took you and the whole Vietnam War thing for granted, and I slept though my classes when we discussed it in school.
I beg you forgiveness.
When I try to comprehend what you guys went through, and then take a look at what I went through, it doesn’t even begin to compare; I can barely call myself a veteran in your presence.
On behalf of my children and my grandchildren, I, with all the sincerity I can muster, thank you. Without your service, your actions, this country would not be the great country it is today, I would not be who I am today, and my children would not be able to become who they will be tomorrow.
Welcome Home Gentlemen!
Last edited by Sweetbaboo; Nov 9, 2009 at 11:40 AM.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 840
Likes: 0
From: PNW
I make a point to go up to our troops to thank them for their service. I want them to know that their sacrifice is not taken for granted, by me at least.
I didn't hear the words "welcome home" until I was on a PGR mission a few years ago. We had setup a flag line from the sidewalk to the chapel on post when a lady stopped in front of me. Her husband was deployed and she was at the memorial representing him. She said welcome home and the tears flowed.
Welcome home to all my brothers and to all my brothers who didn't make it; you are always in my thoughts and prayers. Welcome home to all who have served!
RVN 71-72
HHC Avn Plt, 3rd Bde, 101st Airborne
HHT Avn Section, 2/11 ACR
I didn't hear the words "welcome home" until I was on a PGR mission a few years ago. We had setup a flag line from the sidewalk to the chapel on post when a lady stopped in front of me. Her husband was deployed and she was at the memorial representing him. She said welcome home and the tears flowed.
Welcome home to all my brothers and to all my brothers who didn't make it; you are always in my thoughts and prayers. Welcome home to all who have served!
RVN 71-72
HHC Avn Plt, 3rd Bde, 101st Airborne
HHT Avn Section, 2/11 ACR
Last edited by slick10; Aug 31, 2011 at 02:57 PM.
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 160
Likes: 0
I had an experience similar to Sweetbaboo's. In 2003 I got off a plane in Bangor Maine. There were no less than 50 veterans (mostly Vietnam and a few WWII) clapping, cheering and shaking our hands. The Vets had a lot of their family members with them as well. The welcome home was completely unexpected and overwhelming. I know I didn't say enough of the right things that day - I felt as if I were to open my mouth and expressed myself, I might fall apart in front of my heroes. So, I just stood there in complete awe of the Great Americans that had come out to welcome us home.
Happy Veterans Day. Thank you all for all your service and sacrifice in a time when the rest of America seemed to need to recalibrate it's values.
Happy Veterans Day. Thank you all for all your service and sacrifice in a time when the rest of America seemed to need to recalibrate it's values.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 549
Likes: 0
From: Ft Myers FL
I joined in Feb 1971. I was ready to go to Nam to do my part but by the time I got of of boot camp it was for the most part over. It's a crying shame or rather a disgrace the way the Vietnam vets were treated when they came home. I want to say Thank you and Welcome home to all War veterans.
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 135
Likes: 5
From: boyertown, pa
Welcome home to ALL veterans and Happy Veterans Day. I like many other VN vets were spit on coming home through Philadelphia airport. My parents and girlfriend/wife were totally stunned at the event. I was so disappointed and hurt I burned all my uniforms and medals trying to forget the incident. Took close to 20 years to even talk about it. The PG missions did eaze the pain along with visits to the Wall. Awfully intimidating experience. I hope this country learned from VN, but am wondering seeing all the casualties in the sand box.
Qui Nhon May 1968-1969
Qui Nhon May 1968-1969
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Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 143
Likes: 0
From: Mesa, AZ
Thanks to all my brothers and sisters for their service and welcome home. Those words are always a welcome sound. Like many of you, I remember the hatred from folks when I got home. It is better today. For all those that gave the ultimate, may you Rest In Peace........
Happy Veterans Day
Happy Veterans Day
Last edited by tzman; Nov 9, 2009 at 07:59 PM. Reason: .