"Welcome Home"

Residents gather to honor local heroes

During Tuesday's public comment period at the Commissioners' meeting, Sequim resident Denise Lapio said, "First off I'd like to say thank you all for recognizing the Vietnam Veterans.  As the daughter of a Marine who served three tours in Vietnam, I very much appreciate it.  It's a great way to say, 'Thank you for your service.'“

This came after a proclamation, read by Commissioner Randy Johnson, which recognizes today, March 30th, as "Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day" in Clallam County.  The proclamation unified those in the boardroom who applauded the veterans in attendance.

51 years ago, on March 29th, 1973, the last United States combat troops left South Vietnam, ending America's direct military involvement in the Vietnam War.  

However, the conflict that had ended for our country, was just beginning for some armed service members who returned home, explained veteran Bill Strehle to Sequim's packed VFW post #4760.  The Vietnam conflict was the first televised war and, unlike Americans returning from WW2, Vietnam Veterans were not welcomed with ticker tape parades.

Many armed service members left the close-knit ranks and supportive comradery of military life in Vietnam to find an unwelcoming and disapproving society back home.  The solitude and anguish were devastating and unbearable for some.  Outside the support of family and friends, many returning Veterans felt no support at all.

"Ask, are you okay?" recommended veteran Kevin O'Neill, Senior Vice Commander of Sequim's VFW post.  It's a seemingly simple question but, for a veteran, it can open the door to asking for help.  O'Neill emphasized the importance of mental and physical health for veterans and reminded everyone about the importance of treating veterans with respect.

O'Neill says the Northwest Veteran Resource Center, located at 216 South Francis Street in Port Angeles, is a valuable asset that provides employment, housing, transportation, and health resources for our county’s veterans.

If you are a Vietnam Veteran, if you are a family member of the over 58,000 Americans who perished during the conflict, if you are one of over 300,000 Americans who were wounded in Vietnam, or if you are a family member of the 1,584 Americans who are missing and unaccounted for, on behalf of all Watchdoggers...

Thank you and Welcome Home.