FORT RILEY — Memories resurfaced on Friday morning as over 100 veterans from all branches marched through the hangar doors at Marshall Army Airfield to cheers, applause, and Patriotic music. The scene was much different than what these men experienced nearly 50 years ago when they returned home from the Vietnam war. Due to political tensions in regards to the war, veterans were at best antagonized, and at worst neglected and isolated from the care they needed.
All that changed.
A recent initiative by the U.S. Army aims to thank and recognize Vietnam War veterans who may have never received a warm welcome home, and veterans from around the Flint Hills had their day at Fort Riley’s “Vietnam Veteran’s Welcome Home Ceremony.
Commanding General Wayne Grigsby delivered an impassioned and emotional speech before an awestruck crowd.
“A welcome back from grateful Americans is just the beginning of a process that which troops need to cope with what they have endured,” Grigsby said.
2.6 million Americans deployed to Vietnam between the late-1950’s and early 1970’s. The First Infantry Division played a pivotal role in the war, being the first American boots on the ground. Over 3,000 soldiers from the division lost their lives, and 12 received Medals of Honor.
Richard Briggs, an Abilene resident and Vietnam veteran, called the day “bittersweet.” Briggs recalled returning to America and not being able to find a job because of his veteran status.
“Some of those memories…you learn to put in the back. A ceremony like this brings all those out again.”
