Troop Greeters Honor Vietnam Veterans

Maine Troop Greeters to honor Vietnam War veterans 
WCSH 6 News
Portland Katharine Bavoso, WLBZ
April 21, 2015

"Somebody had to say it. Then, they didn't. So we're saying it now. Welcome home," said Troop Greeter and Vietnam era veteran, Jerry Lyden.

Vietnam era vets to be honored decades later (Photo: NEWS CENTER)

BANGOR, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- When troops returned home from the Vietnam War, they were often faced with negativity and anger instead of the hero's greeting returning troops are given today. The Maine Troop Greeters want to make up for that lack of thanks.

The Troop Greeters announced Tuesday that they will be holding a Welcome Home Vietnam Era Veterans celebration to give Maine Vietnam Veterans the welcome home they never received.

It's a collaborative effort by the Troop Greeters as well as the City of Bangor, the Bangor International Airport, the Maine Bureau of Veterans Services and the Cross Insurance Center.

The event is part of a 10 year nationwide program to welcome home Vietnam Veterans from all over the country. According to the Troop Greeters, there are 44,000 Vietnam Veterans in Maine.

April marks 40 years since the Vietnam War ended in 1975.

"It's a responsibility that we should finally try to make make things right or make amends," said Maine Troop Greeter and event organizer, Nory Jones.
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