Daughters of the American Revolution honor local Vietnam veterans

Jack Stewart and Leonard Hall both graduated from Greenville High School. Both volunteered for the U.S. Army and were sent to Vietnam. When the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army launched the attack that would become known as the Tet Offensive, they were stationed so close to one another that the same explosion nearly killed them both.

“I thought the world had ended,” Hall remembered.

But it wasn’t until years later when these two men, who had known each other almost all of their lives, were each receiving treatment at a V.A. hospital in St. Louis before they realized the many parallels in their service. That’s because many Vietnam vets, Stewart and Hall included, never discussed their service after they returned home.

“We didn’t talk about it, because no one wanted to hear about it… I had neighbors for 40 years who never knew I was in the service,” said Hall, who turned 21 the day he set foot in Southeast Asia.

Nine million Americans, approximately 7.2 million living today, served in the U.S. Armed Forces during the country’s involvement in Vietnam — Nov. 1, 1955, to May 15, 1975. Two-thirds volunteered. More than 58,000 gave their lives.

But the war was unpopular at home, and many took out their anger about the war on the men and women tasked with doing the fighting.

“Back then they ridiculed us. They even spat on us, and it was disgusting to see how it tore our nation apart,” said former state Rep. Ron Stephens, a Vietnam veteran who earned a Bronze Star and Purple Heart.

“Welcome home” is a phrase most never heard upon their return.

It was a long time coming, but on Tuesday, more than 50 local Vietnam vets did hear it — over and over again.

It was part of a program the Silver Creek Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) held at Highland Hope United Methodist Church. The event was a mix of song and ceremony, handshakes and hugs, but mostly, it was a long overdue thank you.

Bill White of Pontoon Beach was one of dozens to take time out of their day to attend the noontime ceremony. White, who has children currently serving, said he came to thank the men who were there, but also to honor his brother, Galen “Lucky” White, who died in combat in Vietnam on April 29, 1968.

“I couldn’t be more honored to be here and shake their hands for their service,” he said.

The timing of the event was meant to coincide with the last day United States troops were on the ground in Vietnam, March 29, 1973. It was also part of of the national recognition of the 50^th anniversary of the war. A proclamation from President Obama declared May 28, 2012 through Nov. 11, 2025 as the time period to commemorate a half-century since the conflict.

“For most, this is the fist time we have gathered like this. We never had a public invitation to gather like this,” said Stephens, who served as the event’s speaker.

And they were grateful for the salute.

“It makes you feel good,” Stewart said.

During the ceremony, each veteran received a certificate of appreciation and a pin to honor their service.

“Thank you for your service. Welcome home,” Silver Creek DAR regent Cheri Kuhn said as she handed Stewart his certificate and pin.

“Thank you. It’s good to be home,” he said.

This story was originally published March 30, 2016 at 6:10 AM with the headline "Daughters of the American Revolution honor local Vietnam veterans."