Veteran Column: A Long-Overdue Welcome Home

A Long-Overdue Welcome Home

At G.I. Joel’s Living History Museum, Veterans, friends and families gather on Saturday morning March 28, 2026. The day before to observe National Vietnam War Veterans Day, March 29, 2026. G.I. Joe’ s had advertised Pizza with a Vietnam War Veteran, “It is a day specifically set aside to pay tribute to the more than 2.7 million Americans who served in this war, along with 9 million who served on active duty during that era.

Fifty-three years ago, in 1973, the last U.S. combat troops left Vietnam. They returned to a nation that was divided, mostly failing to offer the respect, gratitude, and "welcome home" that our warriors deserved. 

The veterans all say coming home was a different kind of jungle, as each veteran stood up and said their name, rank, branch of service they served in, and shared some experiences. The room was quiet with respectful hearts, and a lot of tears. Not one veteran shared anything about the war.  All the comments and short stories were about their horrible treatment when returning home. Today, here at SALUTE and G.I. Joe’s, we are trying to correct that one step at a time.

For the next few hours, everyone enjoyed pizza and treats while walking around the museum or just listening to stories the veterans are willing to share. 

Thank you for coming and supporting our Veterans on behalf of SALUTE and G.I. Joe’s Living History Mesum. All Veterans, we salute you.

Eddie Portz

Veteran Ambassador