They came home without the parades and welcomes given to previous generations. Now, more than 30 years after the last Vietnam veteran returned home, the state is proclaiming 2010 as the Year of the Vietnam Veteran.
Gov. Brad Henry said celebrations honoring Vietnam veterans will be held in Oklahoma City, Tulsa and Norman during the Fourth of July weekend.
Thousands of Oklahomans served with honor in Vietnam and were denied a hero's welcome upon their return. A divided nation was unsure how to treat these young men and women.
We've learned from that experience. Americans now warmly welcome home the men and women who are fighting on two fronts. Vietnam veterans are usually at the front of the line.
An honor for those men and women who served during the Vietnam War is long overdue. Let's not wait until 2010. Make it a point to thank them today.
