Vietnam War Veterans Given ‘Welcome Home’ Party In Muskogee

Many Vietnam veterans have stories of not being treated very well when they came home from the war, but that wasn’t the case Tuesday.

The Muskogee VA Regional Benefits Office hosted a huge welcome home party for Vietnam War veterans.

"This is something we've been planning for quite some time," Jacob Nichols said.

He said they didn't know if they'd get five or 500 veterans to show up, but the idea was very simple…

"More than anything just have someone say ‘thank you’ and ‘welcome home,’" said Jason McClellan.

Among veterans of that war the stories are well known - name calling, being booed in uniform and being told not to wear your uniform when flying home for fear of what might happen.

Tuesday was designed to erase some of those memories.

One veteran said, "It kind of puts an end to everything."

Veterans and their families were invited to come down for a simple ceremony, a little lunch and a sincere welcome home.

Several of the service agencies that help veterans come along as well to offer assistance and answer questions.

The highlight of the event was an invitation to receive a special Vietnam War commemorative lapel pin - they passed out hundreds.

Among the veterans getting pinned, were a couple of familiar faces from the News On 6 - Meteorologist Dick Faurot and yours truly.

All in all, it was a great day.