Vietnam vets say “welcome home” as a way to acknowledge and honor fellow veterans who served during the Vietnam War. This phrase was not commonly used when they returned from war, and saying it now is a gesture of recognition and support that they didn’t receive in the past.
Vietnam veterans often say “welcome home” as a way to acknowledge and honor their fellow veterans who served during the Vietnam War. This phrase holds significant meaning for them because it reflects the recognition and support that they did not receive upon their return from the war. Let’s delve into the topic with more detail, including an insightful quote and some interesting facts.
One of the fundamental reasons why Vietnam veterans say “welcome home” is to address the lack of acknowledgment they faced when they returned from the war. Many veterans returning from Vietnam were met with public indifference, hostility, and even protest, which greatly contrasted the warm welcome given to veterans of previous conflicts. This lack of support and the negative perception of the war left many Vietnam veterans feeling isolated and forgotten.
Saying “welcome home” now is a way for Vietnam veterans to reclaim the recognition they deserve and to support their fellow comrades. It has become a meaningful phrase that symbolizes gratitude, understanding, and solidarity among those who served during that tumultuous period. It serves as a reminder that their sacrifices and contributions to the nation are appreciated.
To offer a different perspective, Senator Charles Schumer once said, “Every day in the United States, a Vietnam veteran is welcomed home.” This quote highlights the ongoing effort to acknowledge and honor Vietnam veterans in various ways. It emphasizes the importance of continually recognizing their service and sacrifices.
Here are some interesting facts about Vietnam veterans and their homecoming:
- The Vietnam War spanned from 1955 to 1975, with approximately 9 million military personnel serving during that time.
- More than 58,000 American servicemen and women lost their lives in Vietnam, and over 150,000 were wounded.
- Unlike previous wars, Vietnam veterans returned home individually rather than in large organized units, further contributing to their sense of isolation.
- The negative public sentiment towards the war led to a lack of support and even hostility towards returning veterans.
- It was not until 1982, with the dedication of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., that the nation began to collectively recognize and honor Vietnam veterans.
- Various organizations and initiatives have been established to support Vietnam veterans, including the Vietnam Veterans of America and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund.
Including a table in this text might not be suitable as it requires a visual representation for better comprehension. Instead, the focus here is on providing a detailed written explanation.
Response to your question in video format
In this YouTube video titled “Why Vietnam Vets say ‘Welcome Home'”, a Vietnam War veteran shares his emotional journey coming home and the lack of a warm reception. The veteran describes being met with protesters at the main gate, who labeled them as “baby killers” and denounced the war. Lamenting the absence of information about the protests while serving, the negative reception left a lasting impact. However, the veteran highlights the healing effects of patriotic events and expressions of gratitude, emphasizing the importance of saying “welcome home” to each other as a means of healing. They urge others to thank veterans and acknowledge the sacrifices made for the freedom enjoyed in the country.
Additional responses to your query
It was created in 2017 "to give Americans the opportunity to say ‘Welcome Home’ to a group of veterans who never got the reception they deserved when they returned to the United States.” Here’s the background.
Vietnam veterans did not receive ‘Welcome Home’ parades when they returned from the war. However, there has been a movement across the country to give Vietnam Veterans the welcome home they never received 45 years ago. This movement encourages Americans to thank a Vietnam Veteran, shake their hand, and tell them, ‘Welcome home,’ when they meet them. So, if you see a Vietnam veteran, you can say, “Thank you for your service” or “Welcome home”.
No ‘Welcome Home’ parades for Vietnam vets. This was partly due to the logistics of the never-ending conflict. The Vietnam War lasted from 1964-1973—the longest war in American history until it was overtaken by the one in Afghanistan—and servicemen typically did one-year tours of duty.
Along with establishing a specific day to acknowledge these veterans, there has been a movement across the country to give Vietnam Veterans the welcome home they never received 45 years ago. This movement encourages Americans to thank a Vietnam Veteran, shake their hand, and tell them, ‘Welcome home,’ when they meet them.
Vietnam vets don’t need to hear "thank you for your service" as much as, "welcome home." So whether you know someone who served in southeast Asia or happen to pass one on your way to work, here are 9 actions you can take to give them the welcome home they never received:
When you see a Vietnam veteran today with a hat proudly displaying his or her service there, I ask that you do what all Vietnam veterans do when they see each other: Say “Welcome Home!” — something we never got then. It is never too late to show them at least that much respect.
The next time you see a Vietnam veteran, say, “Thank you for your service.” And if you are one, welcome home!
I’m sure you will be interested
Hereof, Do you say welcome home to Vietnam vets? Answer: The next time you see a Vietnam veteran, say, “Thank you for your service.” And if you are one, welcome home!
Why were Vietnam vets not welcomed back? The Vietnam War divided American society. Those who served were often treated as traitors instead of heroes, and found it difficult to adjust to life back home. Although many Vietnam veterans did have success after returning home, those who did not were often left to deal with their trauma alone.
Moreover, When did the Vietnam veterans get a welcome home?
Answer to this: 1987
Commemoration of Vietnam veterans
Some veterans didn’t feel properly honoured for having served their country in Vietnam. In 1987, veterans received the welcome home parade that some felt had been denied them when they returned from war.
Moreover, Why do we say welcome home? Why does the phrase " Welcome home", have such significance to Vietnam Veterans? It’s a direct counter to the almost complete lack of welcome at the time. Most of us returned to a country where there was growing opposition to the war, to the point of violent demonstrations in some US locations.
Beside above, Should Vietnam Veterans ‘Welcome Home’? Answer will be: Along with establishing a specific day to acknowledge these veterans, there has been a movement across the country to give Vietnam Veterans the welcome home they never received 45 years ago. This movement encourages Americans to thank a Vietnam Veteran, shake their hand, and tell them, ‘Welcome home,’ when they meet them.
What does VA say to Vietnam Veterans? Answer to this: Vietnam Veterans: "Thank you and welcome home." – VA News VA is a major partner in the commemoration, hosting 329 events at VA facilities across the nation today to honor and thank Vietnam Veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice.
Did Vietnam veterans receive a warm greeting from other Americans? There was one group of Vietnam veterans who received a warm greeting from fellow Americans upon returning home—those who had been held captive as prisoners of war (POWs). Since most of the fighting in the Vietnam War took place in South Vietnam, few American combat soldiers were captured and taken prisoner by North Vietnamese Army (NVA) forces.
Thereof, Do Vietnam Veterans deserve recognition?
The reply will be: Even decades later, those who served in Vietnam were ignored or seen with the same contempt they were met with when they arrived home. It wasn’t until 2007 when the 50th anniversary of the beginning of the Vietnam War was being observed that the movement to give Vietnam Veterans the acknowledgment they deserve truly took form.
Similarly one may ask, Should Vietnam Veterans ‘Welcome Home’? Along with establishing a specific day to acknowledge these veterans, there has been a movement across the country to give Vietnam Veterans the welcome home they never received 45 years ago. This movement encourages Americans to thank a Vietnam Veteran, shake their hand, and tell them, ‘Welcome home,’ when they meet them.
Consequently, What does VA say to Vietnam Veterans? As an answer to this: Vietnam Veterans: "Thank you and welcome home." – VA News VA is a major partner in the commemoration, hosting 329 events at VA facilities across the nation today to honor and thank Vietnam Veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice.
In this manner, Do Vietnam Veterans deserve recognition?
Response to this: Even decades later, those who served in Vietnam were ignored or seen with the same contempt they were met with when they arrived home. It wasn’t until 2007 when the 50th anniversary of the beginning of the Vietnam War was being observed that the movement to give Vietnam Veterans the acknowledgment they deserve truly took form.
Also asked, What can I do with a Vietnam veteran?
Invite them to speak at a school class or social function Having a veteran speak in a history class or at a social community event is a great way to educate the younger generation and your community about the services and sacrifices service members make. To all Vietnam veterans, welcome home from WATM.