MILWAUKEE— Vietnam veterans were honored across the U.S. on Tuesday with a national holiday. In Milwaukee, the Milwaukee VA held a ceremony to recognize those veterans.
A handful of veterans gathered in the VA cemetery for a wreath laying ceremony on Tuesday morning. It was a special time for this group of Vietnam Veterans who were being honored for their service.
Larry Elliott is a Vietnam veteran. He served as a marine and retired as a master sergeant. So a day like Tuesday meant a lot to him.
“It’s sort of surreal waking through this cemetery talking with you and remembering this day,” Vietnam Veteran, Larry Elliott said.
When veterans like Elliott came home from war, they were not thanked for their service. For many, coming home often even came with shame. But now, these veterans are getting the honor and dignity they deserve since Vietnam Veteran’s Day was named a national holiday back in 2017.
“You live with your emotions sort of in the shadows. So, it was a long overdue period of time that we needed this recognition,” Elliott said.
George Banda is another Vietnam veteran who earned a silver star and a bronze star as an army medic, among many other awards and medals. He said coming home from the war was hard for him.
“Back in 1971 I got out. It was bad. I left one battlefield and came home to another battlefield. Now, today, it feels wonderful to be recognized,” said Banda.
Tuesday, the veterans were recognized for their bravery and duty, and it’s something they can all finally be proud of.
For them, what makes it even more special is honoring their service together.
“This is comforting and rewarding to know that there are people that were there, and it’s easier to talk to them, because a lot of the people that weren’t there don’t understand.” Vietnam Veteran, Ruby Scheuing said.
It was an emotional day for these veterans who attended the wreath laying ceremony. However, they were given the opportunity to soak in the honor they have so long deserved.