I challenge you to remember these two code words next time you greet a Vietnam Veteran: Welcome Home!
These words are significant to Vietnam Veterans. They are significant because we were NOT welcomed home. We were spat upon at airports, called baby killers on the street, refused to wear our uniforms in public, and hid our military service in our civilian jobs.
Now there’s nothing wrong with the phrase “Thank you for your service.” It is a perfectly satisfactory sentiment, but some Vietnam Veterans do not respect it. They think of it as a throw-away comment such as, “have a nice day.” They respond with a quiet “thank you” while thinking you have no true understanding for the meaning of those words.
As Vietnam Veterans start to walk in the boots of our World War II and Korean War brothers, our ranks are growing thin. And if you wish to demonstrate that you understand and empathize with the sacrifice we made for our fellow soldiers, for our families, for our country…and for you, then the next time you greet a Vietnam Veteran remember these two code words and say, “Welcome Home.” Watch the reaction. These words will move us. It’s a game changer.
