KDKA: Vietnam Veterans Saluted at Ceremony in South Park
Sunday, August 22, 2010
A special salute was held at the South
Park Fairgrounds Saturday as local Vietnam veterans were honored for service to their country.
During the parade, some veterans rode motorcycles proudly through South Park, while others carried flags and marched - reliving memories of military life.
Thanks to the Borough of South Park,Vietnam veterans finally received a welcome home decades after serving in a war that nobody wanted.
"Since 1970, when they started coming home - they were never given the welcome home, anything of that nature - and this is the way we want to honor our veterans from Vietnam," said Ed Snee, South Park supervisor.
Even though it's taken years, some veterans say Saturday's parade helps to erase some bitter memories.
"I think it's terrific because when we came home, it sure wasn't like this. It was pretty bad - people didn't like you - people spit on you, called you baby killer and everything else," said Barry Grimm, a Vietnam vet.
Congressman Tim Murphy, who attended the parade, said every American who serves their country deserves to be honored.
"It is important, we have to recognize that anybody who has ever worn a uniform at anytime needs our thanks," said Congressman Murphy. "It isn't good enough to just think about it in your head, you need to go up to them, shake their hand, and say welcome home and thank you for your service."
The parade and ceremony come just days after American soldiers end their combat mission in Iraq. The circumstances in Iraq are different from those in Vietnam.
There was no victory in Vietnam, and the future of Iraq remains uncertain.
State Auditor General Jack Wagner, a Vietnam veteran, said his generation helped change the nation's attitude towards its fighting men and women.
"If it wasn't for the Vietnam veterans and the Korean War veterans, the veterans in Iraq and Afghanistan coming home wouldn't be welcome home. We have made sure that there is honor and respect given to people who serve their country," said Wagner. "Am I happy to see veterans come home from Iraq? You are darn right."
Congressman Murphy told the Vietnam veterans in attendance that they can perform an invaluable service to nearly 200,000 veterans returning from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. He told them to embrace, encourage and thank them for a job well done.
During the parade, some veterans rode motorcycles proudly through South Park, while others carried flags and marched - reliving memories of military life.
Thanks to the Borough of South Park,
"Since 1970, when they started coming home - they were never given the welcome home, anything of that nature - and this is the way we want to honor our veterans from Vietnam," said Ed Snee, South Park supervisor.
Even though it's taken years, some veterans say Saturday's parade helps to erase some bitter memories.
"I think it's terrific because when we came home, it sure wasn't like this. It was pretty bad - people didn't like you - people spit on you, called you baby killer and everything else," said Barry Grimm, a Vietnam vet.
Congressman Tim Murphy, who attended the parade, said every American who serves their country deserves to be honored.
"It is important, we have to recognize that anybody who has ever worn a uniform at anytime needs our thanks," said Congressman Murphy. "It isn't good enough to just think about it in your head, you need to go up to them, shake their hand, and say welcome home and thank you for your service."
The parade and ceremony come just days after American soldiers end their combat mission in Iraq. The circumstances in Iraq are different from those in Vietnam.
There was no victory in Vietnam, and the future of Iraq remains uncertain.
State Auditor General Jack Wagner, a Vietnam veteran, said his generation helped change the nation's attitude towards its fighting men and women.
"If it wasn't for the Vietnam veterans and the Korean War veterans, the veterans in Iraq and Afghanistan coming home wouldn't be welcome home. We have made sure that there is honor and respect given to people who serve their country," said Wagner. "Am I happy to see veterans come home from Iraq? You are darn right."
Congressman Murphy told the Vietnam veterans in attendance that they can perform an invaluable service to nearly 200,000 veterans returning from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. He told them to embrace, encourage and thank them for a job well done.
[ Back to News ]
