Markeshia Ricks photo
When Rafael Reyes returned home from Vietnam in 1968, it wasn’t uncommon to be called a “baby killer.” Such slurs were tough to bear, but he went on to serve 20 years in the Army National Guard.
It’s a story that is common among veterans of the Vietnam War, which ended 40 years ago this year.
Retired U.S. Navy Reserve Commander Michael Romeo (pictured shaking hands with Mayor Toni Harp) said when he came back from the Vietnam War there was no ticker-tape parade, and there was certainly no one to greet him with a “Welcome home,” or a “Thanks for your service.”
He said in fact when he returned to the country he had fought for he was told that he probably shouldn’t wear his uniform on the bus ride home.
On Tuesday afternoon, Romeo and a host of New Haven officials sought to offer a hero’s welcome to all veterans, but Vietnam veterans like Reyes in particular.
A “Welcome Home with Gratitude” event was hosted at City Hall as part of its recognition of the 100th anniversary of the start of World War I and the 40th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War.
Featuring the New Haven County Firefighters’ Emerald Society Pipes and Drums and other musical guests — including singer and guitarist Adam Christoferson of Inspire New Haven and a gospel choir — veterans heard from Mayor Toni Harp, who thanked veterans for their willingness to respond during times of military conflict and peace.
Fair Haven Alder Santiago Berrios-Bones, chair of the committee that put Tuesday’s program together, said this was the first year that the city sought specifically to honor Vietnam veterans.
“When we came out of that war there was no recognition,” he said.
Berrios-Bones said the tribute, which also earlier in the day included the ringing of church bells throughout the city, also known as the “Bells of Hope”, was a way to show Vietnam veterans the community is as grateful for their service during that conflict, as they are of the service of those who have participated in earlier and current armed conflicts.
It meant a lot to Reyes.
“Things have changed,” Reyes said. “Now, we get a little more recognition. It feels better.”
War Is A Racket, by Major General Smedley Butler, 1935
"I spent 33 years and 4 months in active service as a member of our country's most agile military force--the Marine Corps. I served in all commissioned ranks from second lieutenant to Major General. And during that period I spent most of my time being a high-class muscle man for Big Business, for Wall Street and for the bankers. In short, I was a racketeer for capitalism. I suspected I was part of a racket all the time. Now I am sure of it. Like all members of the military profession I never had an original thought until I left the service."Smedley D. Butler (1881-1940)
http://www.warisaracket.org/