CAMDEN — For many, the Vietnam War evokes memories and images of one of the most controversial times in American history. It was the first war televised in homes across the country. Walter Cronkite’s reports on the CBS evening news affected the nation, no matter one’s beliefs about the war.

History has documented that Vietnam was an unpopular war and the controversial feelings of many Americans often carried over to soldiers when they returned home.

Soldiers were often greeted with protestors carrying anti-war slogan signs.

Bob Ogier, a member of the War Memorial Post 30, American Legion in Camden remembers his experience.

“When I returned home with a plane load of soldiers at Logan Airport in Boston, everyone there waiting for us was a protestor,” he said. “We had no idea that this was going on while we were fighting in the war.”

Before the Vietnam War era, it was not uncommon that many soldiers from previous wars were treated as heroes. Celebrations were held in their honor in their local communities all around the country. The nation was grateful.

The homecoming was very different for most Vietnam veterans. They came back to find their country torn apart by the debate over the war. There often was not a warm and patriotic “welcome home.”

Now, many veterans organizations, local governments and communities are organizing their own “welcome home” ceremonies, all under the umbrella of a proclamation, launched by the President, in May 2012. The proclamation was authorized by Congress and established under the Secretary of Defense to honor, give thanks, and commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War.

The American Legion in Camden has been recognized as a commemorative partner of the national celebration and will be hosting their own “welcome home” event on June 24. They are reaching out to Vietnam veterans in Knox and Waldo counties, attempting to gather as many names as possible but anyone is welcome, according to Jeff Sukeforth, Legion Adjutant.

Sukeforth emphasized that the welcome home celebration is for all Vietnam era veterans, not just the ones who served overseas.

Sukeforth is requesting that veterans who are interested in attending the “welcome home” event complete a brief information sheet, including their service during the Vietnam War. (see attachment)

Other Vietnam veterans and members of the Legion, besides Ogier, who are assisting with coordinating the “welcome home” program include Frank Carr who served in the US Marine Corps. Carr said he was “combat light” but still participated in rocket attacks.  

Sandy Delano served with the US Navy in aviation and flying missions in anti-submarine warfare. Norman Carver was in the US Army as an aircraft mechanic.

Roy Roden served with the Marines as a rifleman walking point on the front lines for nine months in Vietnam. He said that he was exposed to agent orange and experienced post-traumatic stress disorder, “but the Lord healed me completely.” Roden also remembers the protestors when he returned home to San Diego on the USS Kennedy. “It was hard to integrate back into society.”

These veterans all agreed that the June program will give them a time to remember, embrace, help those who are still healing, and finally have a chance to have the welcome home not experienced by many of them.

In addition to the luncheon, veterans will receive commemorative 50th anniversary pins, certificates, and coins. Representatives from the Bureau of Veteran Affairs in Augusta and American Legion officers in Maine will also be attending the June celebration.

Reach Sarah Shepherd at news@penbaypilot.com