15-05-2025
Vietnam Veterans mark 50 years since the war ended
DES MOINES, Iowa — At the Iowa Statehouse people gathered to honor those who served their country in the Vietnam War. The ceremony was to mark the ending of the war 50 years ago.
'We had a lot of people running around burning their cards, making a run for Canada,' said Col. Gerald 'Gerry' Berry, USMC (Ret.) 'Then we had those special people, men and women who still supported their country.'
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Berry was a Marine Corp Helicopter Pilot who flew the United States Ambassador out of the Embassy in Saigon as the war was ending.
For all Vietnam veterans this day was one of honor, no matter where they served in that country.
When veterans came home from service, not all were treated well.
'I was fortunate to pass through Oakland, California at 3 o'clock in the morning and there were no protests at 3 AM,' said Ron Langel, a Vietnam veteran from Ankeny. 'I think it made me more mature than I would have been without it.'
'I was never treated badly, but I'm, I come back to a place like Iowa, so so welcoming right away,' said Lynn Harnden, of Baxter. 'Today it's heartwarming to be part of something like this.'
Harnden was part of an effort to mount a Vietnam-era Huey Helicopter in the town of Baxter.
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