Vietnam veterans recognized on National Vietnam War Day
On March 29, 1973, the Military Assistance Command in Vietnam was disbanded and the last U.S. combat troops left the Republic of Vietnam, after sending more than two-point-seven million men and women into combat.
Saturday marked the 52nd anniversary of that day, many of those veterans are still alive today, and FOX21 was able to hear the story of thirty-one of them on Saturday.
'The reason I am here today is because of my peace,' said one veteran speaking at the event.
Emotions were high on Saturday afternoon; the thirty-one veterans who began their day as strangers left with an unbreakable bond.
'I think the most important part for me was because of supply issues, There were times when we couldn't help the wounded because we didn't have bandages or we didn't have blood,' said John Barlett, a Vietnam veteran.
He says Saturday's event brought up some hard memories. 'It's stayed with me all these years, I'm 76. For instance, when we ran out of blood and we needed blood for them, that was going to be the only thing that saved them.' He said that was one of the most memorable parts of the war he experienced.
The veterans spent the afternoon sharing stories and remembering those who never made it home.
'The next was coming home and for Vietnam vets that was quite tough and we suffered,' said Barlett.
Barlett served in the war for one year in 1969. On Saturday his family joined him in support including his granddaughter who has yet to hear his story.
'I haven't communicated enough with her about it. That's a lesson I'll take away from here, we're going to have to work on that a little bit harder,' he said.
Another veteran, John Armstrong, served in the Vietnam War with his brother in 1967.
'One of the reasons I signed up both of us up today is because he passed away in 2015,' said Armstrong. At the event, he accepted awards on behalf of his brother.
'He had some alcoholism and drug problems from his time in service,' said Armstrong, referring to his brother.
Unlike hero welcomes given to veterans of other wars, many who served in Vietnam did not receive any recognition for their service.
'We learned that lesson in America, it's really important for the veteran coming home. Now, maybe they don't know or understand that because a lot of them don't know what happened to us as vets, they hear stories here and there, but they didn't really know about it,' said Barlett.
However, on Saturday the veterans finally received their recognition with a special pin and letters from members of the community.
While we honor the veterans who served in the war, thousands of people across the world are victims of Agent Orange.
'The effect it has on veterans, but even more so the effects that it had on the children in Vietnam, some are born without limbs, and some with an extra limb,' said Armstrong.
One of those victims is Anderson's nephew, causing his head to grow too fast at a young age.
'My brother's son had that condition when he was one, two years old…. so I'm going to try to get him some help.' He said he plans on giving some of the letters he received today to his nephew, who lost his father in the war.
If there was one last thing Anderson could tell his brother, what would it be?
'Welcome home,' he said, crying. 'I don't know if anybody ever told him 'welcome home.' So, welcome home, Bob.'
All veterans left the event with one message: never forget, and value the life you have.
'We can fix the scars of Vietnam. We can build this nation back up if we get behind each other, arm in arm, shoulder to shoulder, back to back, and make it work,' said Barlett.
If you are a veteran who is struggling, you can click on the link above for resources.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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