Wyoming right to honor veterans with annual ‘Welcome Home Day’

It seems unfathomable, but for thousands of American veterans, it was an unfortunate reality. Veterans returning home from battle zones — where they risked their lives, spent months apart from loved ones and faithfully served while their plans and dreams were interrupted by war — only to be scorned or completely ignored upon arriving home.

“Some of these soldiers, who made such huge sacrifices for our country, came home to anger and hostility instead of coming home to applause,” said Gov. Matt Mead. “It is never too late to do the right thing …”

Wyoming’s legislators and governor did the right thing by establishing Wyoming Veterans Welcome Home Day on March 30. The annual recognition honors all who served in the U.S. armed forces, but especially those who were not recognized with the homecomings they deserved.

On March 30, 1973, the last American veterans stepped foot on U.S. soil after combat troops were withdrawn from Vietnam. Many of those who served in Vietnam were not welcomed home with respect — to the point that their leaders told them not to wear their military uniforms as they returned to the United States.

Veterans from the Korean War (1951-1953) also received little or no recognition upon their return, and the war is often referred to as the “Forgotten War.”

March 30 gives Wyoming citizens the opportunity to say each year, from here on out, we will remember.

Yes, it’s long overdue. But it’s not too late to say thank you to veterans from the Vietnam and Korean conflicts for their faithful service and sacrifice.

And welcome home.