EDITORIAL: Honoring Vietnam veterans

Tomorrow marks Vietnam War Veterans Day, a chance to recognize the courage, sacrifice and resilience of those who served during one of the most challenging and controversial conflicts in American history. For too long, these veterans were denied the respect and gratitude they deserved, returning home to a nation divided and often hostile to their service. 

The Vietnam War was a complex chapter in our national story, and these veterans served with honor, despite facing unprecedented challenges both on the battlefield and back home. Many were conscripted and asked to bear burdens no young person should ever have to carry. 

Upon returning home, they confronted a painful reality. Unlike veterans of previous wars who were welcomed as heroes, many Vietnam veterans were met with indifference, hostility and misunderstanding. They bore not just the physical wounds of war, but deep emotional scars that would take decades to heal. 

Tomorrow, we have an opportunity — and an obligation — to honor them. Honoring Vietnam veterans is about truly listening to their stories, understanding their experiences and ensuring they receive the support and recognition they have always deserved. Our community must continue to provide support, and opportunities for these veterans and their families. 

To the Vietnam veterans in our midst: You defended our nation during one of its most challenging periods, and you did so with remarkable courage and humanity. The healing has been long and difficult, but today, we stand together in recognition and respect. 

For younger generations who may not fully understand the significance of tomorrow, we must continue to tell these stories. The lessons of Vietnam extend far beyond a single conflict — they speak to the resilience of the human spirit, the complexities of national service and the profound personal costs of war. 

As we observe Vietnam War Veterans Day, let us recommit ourselves to supporting those who served, to understanding their experiences and to ensuring that no veteran ever again feels abandoned or misunderstood. Your service defines an important chapter of our national story, and we are forever grateful.