NEW BERLIN, Wis. — Decades after the last U.S. troops left the Vietnam War, many veterans are feeling the respect and appreciation they’ve earned.
Wednesday marks the 50th anniversary of that day. The war was a trying time in U.S. history, especially for veterans.
Coming home from the war was difficult for many veterans. Many felt as though their service wasn’t appreciated.
Fifty years is a long time, but for Ruby Scheuing, it feels like just yesterday.
“It seems to have gone very fast,” Vietnam veteran Scheuing said.
Scheuing served in the Vietnam War as an Army nurse. During her time overseas, she met her husband. She even got married there. However, she said coming home was a bit different.
“I came home with a husband. We went directly to a duty station,” Scheuing said. “We went on a honeymoon before we came home, so I didn’t come home with any of the abuse and disrespect that other Vietnam veterans came home to.”
Scheuing said she still remembers what it was like for many other veterans who came home. She said it wasn’t easy.
“To come home and find that people were spitting on soldiers, that they were being totally disrespectful, calling them baby-killers,” Scheuing said. “So, it was not a good atmosphere for the Vietnam veterans that came home.”
The war was very controversial. Many veterans felt ashamed of their service, and that they were not honored the way they should have been.
However, Scheuing said over these past 50 years that has changed, and many have found pride in their service.
“I think we’ve come a long way, and I feel that as veterans we have also helped each other, the brotherhoods,” Scheuing said. “This has been something that has been so helpful to our Vietnam veterans.”
She said she hopes these years have been able to provide a sense of closure and honor for many who risked their lives for this country — and that many get the “welcome home” they deserve.
Editor's Note: This article has been updated to reflect March 29, 2023, marking the 50th anniversary of the last of America's troops leaving Vietnam. (March 29, 2023)