Welcome home
On Vietnam War’s 50th anniversary, veterans receive the honor, praise they were denied during the conflict
When veterans who served in the U.S. military during the Vietnam War meet each other, they share a special greeting.
“We say, ‘Welcome home,’ ” said Richton Park Mayor Rick Reinbold, who served in the Vietnam War as a Navy diver.
That’s because when troops returned from serving in the conflict, fellow Americans generally gave them the cold shoulder. Public opinion had turned against thewar, and service members who performed a great duty to their country were unfairly shunned.
Civilians learned from their mistakes and welcomed home troops returning from service in Iraq, Afghanistan and other conflicts. People may still disagree with the notion of war, but they tend to direct their ire at political leaders instead of service members. Nowadays, virtually everyone thanks soldiers for their service.
Reinbold shared his thoughts with me following an event Thursday afternoon at Prairie State College in Chicago Heights. “Welcome Home: Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemoration” featured a Missing Man Table ceremony that symbolically honored prisoners of war, fallen comrades and troops who are missing in action.
Cadets from the Thornton Township High School District Cornelius R. Coffey Composite
Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol participated in the ceremony. Narrator Georges Sanon, Student Veterans Center coordinator at Prairie State College, described the symbolism of items on a round table draped with a white cloth.
“Aslice of lemon is on the bread plate to remind us of their bitter fate,” Sanon read. “There is salt upon the bread plate, symbolic of the family’s tears as they wait.”
American military involvement in Vietnam began in 1955 and ended in 1975.
Reinbold and Russell Litko, assistant director of the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs, presented pins to nearly two dozen Vietnam War veterans from the south suburbs.
“You experienced some of worst conditions that American forces have ever faced, both in country and when you returned,” Litko told the group. “You have earned a place among the greatest of generations. We thank you, we appreciate you, and we are happy that you are here today among us.”
Litko said Vietnam War veteran Bill Browne, of Hazel Crest, is among 200 veterans honored by a state committee as part of the Illinois bicentennial celebration.
“Part of that celebration is the Bicentennial Honor 200, which is a group of veterans who have been selected by the committee as going the extra mile and continuing to serve their community once they take off their uniform,” Litko said.
Other south suburban veterans on the list are Steve B. Blinn, of Orland Park; Josue E. Cordova, of New Lenox; Rochelle Crump, of Hazel Crest; Robert M. Davis, of South Holland; Thomas Michael Dubelbeis, of Orland Park; Beverly A. Fitch, of Calumet City; Michael P. Graffis, of Tinley Park; William D. Maune, of Park Forest; Terrence J. McDonald, of Markham; John Picciolo, of Lockport; Kevin Smith, of Orland Park; Dennis Thompson, of Alsip, and Winston Woodard III, of Oak Lawn.
Brian Donovan, a Prairie State professor and Student Veterans Club faculty adviser, read a resolution that was introduced Oct. 9 in the Illinois House by state Rep. Anthony DeLuca, D- Chicago Heights. The resolution honors Vietnam War veterans from three south suburban communities.
“It is important to honor the men and women who survived and the 58,260 men and women who gave their lives, seven of whom were from Homewood, Matteson and Richton Park,” the resolution states.
“The citizens of Homewood, Matteson and Richton Park must never forget the pain and suffering that lingers today for the men and women who fought with honor and distinction in the name of freedom and democracy for all.”
Donovan also read a letter from U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Illinois, a former U.S. Army lieutenant colonel who sustained severe wounds during combat as a helicopter pilot in Iraq. Duckworth formerly was director of the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs.
“I hope today’s event will bring you support and comfort as we join together to honor the fallen and recognize the invaluable contributions made by our Vietnam veterans,” Duckworth said in her letter.
“The sacrifices you have made on behalf of our great nation are an inspiration to all the men and women serving our country. Our nation owes you, and all of those who serve with you, a debt of gratitude.”
Retired U.S. Army Sgt. Major Eddie Lamar Rogers delivered a keynote address. Rogers is a Chicago native who served three tours in Vietnam. He later worked for the U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and other organizations.
Rogers spoke about how black and white Americans served alongside each other in Vietnam amid the tension and unrest of the civil rights movement.
“They quickly learned there is no race in a foxhole,” Rogers said. “If the war served no other purpose, it brought together white and black Americans for a common purpose.
“Thewar took place during a period when Americans from the World War II and Korean War eras were greatly troubled by the rebellion of their children — children who were raised during a time of unparalleled economic opportunity and privilege in this country.
“The young questioned their parents’ values and acceptance of divisive racial distinctions, and many went on to fight for equal rights for black Americans and other minorities,” Rogers said.
“Americans also rejected the country’s involvement in Vietnam, and unfortunately rejected those men and women sent to fight the war.
“There were no parades, there were no thank-yous when the veterans returned home from war,” Rogers said.
“They came back to the country hiding their mental and physical illnesses occasioned by their combat service. Even today, in the winter of their lives, many veterans still suffering and dying from conditions of the war do so without ever receiving justice.”