Veterans are always deserving of respect

On this Memorial Day, I would like to express my thanks to the Vietnam veterans, young men and women who kept the faith with their countrymen and served just as bravely with character and courage in Vietnam as our Iraq and Afghanistan veterans have served and are serving today with character and courage.

Almost a half-century ago, before many Iraq and Afghanistan veterans were even born, the Vietnam veterans returned to our country and were welcomed home by curses, feces thrown at them and were told, "You should have died over there."

Many New Jerseyans including myself never knew this was happening because we were perhaps too focused on career, putting bread on the table, raising families and paying New Jersey property taxes. Well, it did happen to our everlasting shame, but there is one group of Americans who will never let it happen again — the Vietnam veterans.

Every flight into New Jersey's McGuire/Fort Dix with our young men and women coming home from Iraq and Afghanistan is greeted by the Vietnam veterans and USO volunteers with "welcome home; job well done" and a hug for those who want one. The troops are truly surprised, very appreciative and some even a little teary. The troops then enjoy their first breakfast on U.S. soil, cooked by the USO. It doesn't stop there. On all flights leaving for Iraq and Afghanistan from McGuire Air Force Base, each young man and woman is handed a bookmark from a Vietnam veteran on which is written: "We are the Vietnam veterans of America. We are here today to let you know we care. You are our brothers and sisters, joined in a bond understood by few. We know where you are going and you know where we have been. In your times of need and fear, you will not be alone. You will be in our hearts and in our prayers. With your God at your side, it is your turn to protect us and keep us free. You are the best of the best and we are proud of you. And when you return, we will be here to shake your hand and thank you for a job well done and say, 'Welcome home.'"

Wallace Noonan

Allentown