The 101st Airborne Division recently hosted a welcome home ceremony for Vietnam War Veterans recently. In my humble opinion I think that it was a very good gesture to make, and long overdue. Oue Vietnam Veterans were the victim of General Ho Chi Mingh's propaganda tactics when he suceeded in making the war unpopular here in America. Part of the reason for this success was the hippie movement in this country at that time.

Our servicemen were subjected to some of the most deplorable conditions in service in Vietnam and then to some of the most scathing criticism when they returned. This had to have a negative effect on morale and made many of them question the validity of the war. In addition to this there were no clear cut objectives for fighting the war so there was no reason given to our servicemen for thier suffering. One thing that I know about our soldiers is that they will endure hardship if they have to.

I feel that the welcome home ceremony was so important in that it finally made these veterans feel appreciated. I remember my own homecoming and the gratitude that the American public showed to us. It really lifted my spirits and made me feel good about my country. A Vietnam Veterans ring. would be the ultimate tool to commemorate involvement in this historic event.