Warm Springs welcomes home Vietnam veterans, 50 years later

Fifty years after the start of the Vietnam War, the Warm Springs community staged a “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans” parade and expo on Wednesday. Many veterans said the celebration was much appreciated and a long time coming, after a less than welcome return back then.

After veterans returned from Vietnam, many were never properly thanked or recognized. On Wednesday, the Warm Springs community took the time to salute the veterans and welcome them home.

When Vietnam veteran Jack Wilson came home from the war, he remembers being treated horribly.

“We got diapers thrown at us. We were called murderers (and) baby killers. And we’re not. We served our country,” Wilson said.

Fifty years later, the veterans are happy to be acknowledged for their service. Although much time has passed, they said it’s still nice to be recognized, and the parade helped them feel appreciated.

The veterans were featured in the parade and presented with a coin thanking them for their service and marking the 50th anniversary.

“They never formally, from what I know, got a welcome home parade, said Logan Hammond, the son of a Vietnam veteran. “We wanted to put this on and give them coins, just to say thank you.”

The veterans said coming home from war was difficult. Not only were they treated poorly, they received terrible benefits and health care. On a positive note, they said the benefits for veterans have dramatically improved since the ’70s.

“Our young vets coming back from over in the sand have a much better chance of getting what they need faster than the Vietnam vets ever had,” said Vietnam vet Bob Baker.

After the parade, there was an expo where veterans could learn about benefits and the public could learn more about the war.

The veterans said the events made them feel better about the controversial time.

The Warm Springs parade was one of the hundreds of events being conducted across the nation this week to honor and thank Vietnam veterans for their service.