March 30: Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day

In the late 1960's my dad was drafted into the Army to go fight in Vietnam. I am incredibly proud of my dad for serving.

But anyone who lived during that time, or the ensuing years, knows how conflicted many people were about our involvement. I was born a few months after the fall of Saigon in 1975, and I grew up unclear about how to even recognize someone's military service. Should I say thank you, or would doing so bring up something that the person would prefer not to talk about or keep private. I'm sure there are good stories, but not everything was as it is now. Soldiers weren't really welcome home as heroes then.

In 2010, California passed AB 1775, which honors several people and groups with designated days, one of which is March 30, "Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans" Day. It reads:

SEC. 7.

 Section 37222.14 is added to the Education Code, to read:

37222.14.

 (a) March 30 of each year is designated and set apart as Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day, a day having special significance pursuant to Section 37222.

(b) On Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day, all public schools and educational institutions are encouraged to conduct exercises recognizing the contributions of all those involved in the Vietnam War and remembering the sacrifices they made for their country.

While this sentiment extends to all veterans, on today, March 30, I want to especially say welcome home to all the Vietnam Veterans, and welcome home to my dad. Thank you for your service.