March 1965: President Johnson launches a three-year campaign of sustained bombing of targets in North Vietnam and the Ho Chi Minh Trail in Operation Rolling Thunder. The same month, U.S. Marines land on beaches near Da Nang, South Vietnam as the first American combat troops to enter Vietnam.
Approximately 2,700,000 American men and women served in Vietnam. It was the first war in which the US failed to meet its objectives. It was also the first time America failed to welcome its veterans back as heroes. Many veterans were attacked personally by their fellow countrymen, who opposed the war.
To those who gave so much with so little respect in return, this Country owes you so much. The least we can do is thank you and welcome you home so belatedly. If you are a Vietnam Veteran, please consider coming to one of our events. You will be among friends and others who served.
Tom Sheets
Colonel, US Marine Corps (Retired)
Executive Director
Our humblest of thank you’s to all of this great nation’s Vietnam Veterans! Welcome home, we appreciate you!
It’s never too late to say “Thank You” and “Welcome Home!” Too many veterans of this era were treated horribly bad for doing their job! Thank you for your service during a transformative time in our nation’s history!
Welcome home!