The Chennault Aviation and Military Museum (CAMM) invites the public to “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day” at the museum to honor the service and sacrifice of our nation’s Vietnam veterans. The museum hosts an open house and a ceremony in recognition of this day for veterans to be honored and celebrated. Veterans will also be encouraged to share their stories with the public during this event.

The ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. Lunch plates will be served at 12 p.m. by Texas Roadhouse of West Monroe. Veterans and first responders will receive complimentary lunch. Lunch plates for non-veterans will be $10 with proceeds benefitting the museum.

This day of recognition was created to give Vietnam veterans the “welcome home” many never received. CAMM CEO Nell Calloway talks about the importance of hosting this event for veterans. “In March 1973, the last of our Vietnam soldiers finally headed home. Many had experienced untold horrors, and they came home to an ungrateful nation,” Calloway said. “We cannot undo the past, but we can now show our appreciation for their patriotism and service.” Unlike past World Wars, there were no ticker-tape parades honoring veterans, or triumphant marches or speeches. America’s Vietnam veterans returned home to silence, or worse, in some cases to denigration for having served their country during a politically controversial war. More than 58,000 members of the United States Armed Forces lost their lives and more than 300,000 were wounded in Vietnam. Now, communities across the country participate in this special day to show unified gratitude for our veterans’ service and sacrifices.