On March 29, 1973, the last U.S. combat troops left Vietnam, marking the end of this country’s involvement in a war that remains largely a reviled and divisive conflict for soldiers and civilians alike.
Now designated as National Vietnam War Veterans Day, March 29 is a time to pay tribute to those military veterans who often didn’t get a hero’s welcome upon their return to U.S. soil.
Britany Wilson is spearheading an event Wednesday to help change that in some small way, so many years after the country brought its soldiers home.
“We want this to be a warm welcome home for the Vietnam veterans who are attending, regardless of how many,” Wilson told WIZS News.
“Some of them may have never received a welcome home,” she added. The whole thing should last about an hour, and then everyone is invited to stay for lunch at the American Legion building, 110 E. Spring St.
Wilson said she’d love to hear from military veterans who plan to attend by Saturday, Mar. 25, but “all are welcome even if they show up on the day of,” she added. “No one will be turned away.”
By contacting her ahead of time, it will allow her to have enough certificates and pins representing the different branches of the military on hand.
Local American Legion Post 60 joins other posts across the nation to pay tribute to military veterans on this day.
Contact Wilson at 919.609.3403.
