I do my best to attend every Fishers event tied to military veterans, but missed one this week due to family events.  March 29 is designated as National Vietnam War Veterans Day.  Fishers, as a Commemorative Partner of the Vietnam War Commemoration, had what is now an annual observance in honor of those that served in Vietnam March 29th.

The Fishers Armed Services Commission, under the leadership of El Ahlwardt, planned the event at the Knowledge Services auditorium.  The featured speaker was Retired Lieutenant General Richard Y. Newton III.  He talked about how Vietnam returning prisoners of war were treated with respect upon their return, but most returning from the war were not treated with such respect.  Newton believes America has many challenges ahead, but the military veterans allowed those coming next to make their own decisions about the path forward.

Mayor Scott Fadness cited a recent poll showing a decline in patriotism over the past 25 years but expressed his belief that patriotism is alive and well in places like Fishers.

The ceremony ended with the presentation of lapel pins to Vietnam veterans in attendance.

I was not drafted into the military during Vietnam, but knew a number of Vietnam veterans.  I worked with many in the broadcasting business that had served, and a number of my college classmates had just returned from Southeast Asia and were using the GI Bill to advance their education.

Like most Americans, they had varying views of their time in the war.  But none of them had anything to do with decisions about waging the war, they were soldiers following orders, doing the best job they could.  They were all good people and did not deserve the treatment most received when returning from military service during the Vietnam era.

There are 6 million Vietnam veterans now, making up about 30% of the entire American veteran population.

America has only started coming to terms with the treatment of our Vietnam Vets.  The Fishers annual event is a step in the right direction.