Sun Herald
BY PATRICK OCHS
September 27, 2014
AMANDA McCOY/SUN HERALD
Vietnam veteran Paul Norvel attends Pass Christian's Vietnam Veterans Homecoming and Appreciation event on Saturday at War Memorial Park. At left, veterans salute during the singing of the National Anthem. The event recognized Vietnam veterans around the Coast and paid tribute to their sacrifices and contributions while serving their country.
PASS CHRISTIAN -- Russell Nichols spent 11 months, 20 days and six hours in Vietnam with the U.S. Marine Corps. When he returned home, he was spat on, cussed at and called things like baby killer and murderer.
He wasn't alone. Many of his fellow soldiers were shown anything but respect.
With yellow ribbons wrapped tightly around the trees and a row of American flags flapping in the breeze, South Mississippi turned out Saturday at War Memorial Park to give Nichols and 70-plus other Vietnam veterans the proper homecoming they never received 40 years ago.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you," state Sen. Philip Moran told the assembled veterans, many proudly wearing clothing from their military branch.
"Because of the times, you did not come home and brag about your bravery. You did not brag about what you had done for us," former U.S. Rep. Gene Taylor said. "You kept it to yourself. I think ceremonies like this give us the opportunity to recognize your bravery, to thank you."
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Scenes from Lost Homecoming ceremony honoring Vietnam vets
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