Vietnam vets get long-awaited homecoming | The Herald

James Hall never thought this day would come.

Not after the political and social strife that greeted military personnel as they returned from service in the Vietnam War. Certainly not after four decades.

But Saturday, proudly waving a small American flag as he and a few hundred other Vietnam veterans marched onto the football field at District Three Stadium to a standing ovation from the community, Hall finally felt he'd been welcomed home.

"I'm doing my best not to get choked up," said Hall, 64, a Rock Hill resident who served as a member of the Air Force from 1962 to 1968. "It's pretty cool."

The event was the area's first official "Welcome Home" ceremony for Vietnam vets. Organized by local veterans groups, families of those currently serving in Iraq and Afghanistan and other sponsors, it was a time for not only welcomes, but also heartfelt thanks.

As belated as they may be.

"I don't care if it was 50 years later," Hall said. "This means a lot."

The ceremony was subdued compared to the welcome celebrations that greet today's returning troops, but the message was the same. The words "service" and "sacrifice" came up frequently, two things that went mostly unrecognized for many Vietnam veterans for decades.

"In hindsight, what you meant to the cause of freedom is much more evident now than it was then," said U.S. Rep. John Spratt, D-S.C., one of the guest speakers. "You ... made possible the world we live in."

The service of the Vietnam era personnel not only stopped the spread of communism but led to better fighting and training methods for the military as a whole, said Maj. Gen. Robert E. Livingston Jr. of the S.C. Army National Guard.

"The great military we have today is a result of your great service," he told the veterans.

S.C. Adjutant Gen. Stan Spears, a Rock Hill native, apologized for the treatment veterans received upon returning home from action.

"You can believe that that will never happen again in the United States," he said.

As the ceremony began, "Amazing Grace" played on bagpipes through the stadium speakers as the crowd remembered those missing, taken prisoner or killed in action. The veterans stood at attention and saluted. Their faces told the story.

"When the bagpipes started playing, I thought about some of the guys that didn't make it," said Rock Hill's John Lee, 61, who served in the Army from 1969 to 1970.

Three-dozen York County residents died during the Vietnam conflict. Countless others were wounded.

But, for Lee, being around his fellow soldiers again caused a swell of pride, similar to what he said he feels on Veterans Day and Memorial Day. Having the appreciation of his community is special, Lee said.

"That does bring a little closure," he said.

Rock Hill's William Robbins, 60, who served in the Air Force from 1969 to 1975, said the ceremony - complete with a Vietnam-era chopper making take-offs and landings from outside the stadium - was like a trip back in time.

The show of support after 40 years was "of great significance," he said.

"This is one of the few times we're being recognized for the good work we did," he said.

Veteran Ernie Wikander, 65, of Charlotte said he was thankful for Saturday's gesture and figured it would happen eventually.

"It took us time to wake up to what was going on," he said.

The lesson to be learned from the lack of support given Vietnam-era troops is to always support those who serve, no matter the situation.

"Even if the conflict is not a popular one," he said, "they're just doing what they need to do for the country."

Unlike today's troops returning from war, those who served in Vietnam came home individually rather than part of a group, another reason their homecoming was unsung by the public. There were no parades, no other public acknowledgments. Most Vietnam veterans agree that kind of treatment wouldn't happen today, and probably won't happen again.

After four decades, Americans again understand the importance of those who serve, said Hall, the Air Force veteran.

Walking on that field with his fellow veterans Saturday, showered with applause, told Hall he was appreciated, too.

"You know what I was thinking? God bless America," he said, holding back tears. "I'd go back in right now if they'd take me. That's how much I love this country."