SACO — For many Vietnam veterans, coming back to the United States was a bitter homecoming. Opposition to the war was of an intensity never seen before – or since – and in many cases, those who participated were shunned or criticized.
“There’s a lot of hurt,” said veteran Joe Armstrong, president of Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 1044.
Fellow Vietnam veteran and Chapter 1044 member Rich Litwin agreed. It’s only been in recent years, he said, that he’s been regularly thanked for his service.
That’s something they’re hoping to help rectify.
The veterans organization, in conjunction with the Saco Bay Center for Civic Engagement, is hosting a “Welcome Home Rally” for all veterans from 9-11 a.m. Sunday at the corner of North and Franklin streets in Saco.
Later that day, at the American Legion Hall, 14 Imperial St., Old Orchard Beach, there will be a documentary viewing and a resource fair with representatives from a number of veterans organizations.
Doors open at 12:30 p.m., and a documentary film, “The Story of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial – The Last Landing Zone,” will be shown at 1 p.m.
“It’s very touching,” said Armstrong. “If you don’t walk out of there with tears in your eyes, there’s something wrong with you.”
Several other short documentaries will also be shown during the event, which is free and open to all veterans and their families, as well as members of the general public.
The events are in honor of Vietnam War Remembrance Day, which is designated in the state of Maine as March 30 and observed this month across the country.
“Our goal is to make people aware there are vets still hurting,” said Armstrong. He hopes events like Sunday’s will help take off “a layer of crusty resentment.”
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1044 meets the first Sunday of the month at 1:30 p.m. at the American Legion Post 26, 508 Elm St., Biddeford. Vietnam veterans, as well as their spouses and family members, are welcome to attend.
— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or [email protected].
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